Broadband Plasmonic Nanopolarizer Based on Different Surface Plasmon Resonance Modes in a Silver Nanorod

Abstract

Conventional polarizers including sheet, wire-grid, prism, and Brewster-angle type polarizers are not easily integrated with photonic circuits. Polarizing elements on the nanoscale are indispensable for integrated all-optical nanophotonic devices. Here, we propose a plasmonic nanopolarizer based on a silver nanorod. The polarization characteristics result from the excitation of different resonance modes of localized surface plasmons (LSPs) at different wavelengths. Furthermore, the polarization characteristics in near field regions have been demonstrated by the electric field distribution of the nanorod based on finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation, indicating a strong local resonant cavity with a standing wave mode for transverse electric (TE) polarization and weak electric fields distributed for transverse magnetic (TM) polarization. The nanopolarizer can efficiently work in the near field region, exhibiting a nanopolarization effect. In addition, very high extinction ratios and extremely low insertion losses can be achieved. Particularly, the nanopolarizer can work in a broadband from visible to near-infrared wavelengths, which can be tuned by changing the aspect ratio of the nanorod. The plasmonic nanopolarizer is a promising candidate for potential applications in the integration of nanophotonic devices and circuits.