Chiral nanophotonic waveguide interface based on spin-orbit interaction of light

Abstract

Controlling the flow of light with nanoparticles Light propagating through optic fibers could provide the ultimate in information flow, but controlling the direction of flow is a key requirement. Petersen et al. show that the directional flow of light in a fiber can be controlled by placing a single gold nanoparticle on or near the surface of the fiber. By exploiting the chiral properties of light (the spin-orbit interaction), the authors demonstrate that the “handedness” or polarization state of the light hitting the particle determines in which direction the light flows in the fiber. Science , this issue p. 67