Spinoptics: Spin symmetry breaking in plasmonic nanostructures

Erez Hasman, Yuri Gorodetski, Nir Shitrit, Itay Bretner, Avi Niv, Vladimir Kleiner

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The spin-Hall effect - the influence of the intrinsic spin on the electron trajectory, which produces transverse deflection of the electrons, is a central tenet in the field of spintronics. Apparently, the handedness of the light's polarization (optical spin up/down) may provide an additional degree of freedom in nanoscale photonics. The direct observation of optical spin-Hall effect that appears when a wave carrying spin angular momentum interacts with plasmonic nanostructures is presented. The measurements verify the unified geometric phase, demonstrated by the observed spin-dependent deflection of the surface waves as well as spin-dependent enhanced transmission through coaxial nanoapertures even in rotationally symmetric structures. Moreover, spin-orbit interaction is demonstrated by use of inhomogeneous and anisotropic subwavelength dielectric structures. The observed effects inspire one to investigate other spin-based plasmonic effects and to propose a new generation of optical elements for nanophotonic applications.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPlasmonics
Subtitle of host publicationMetallic Nanostructures and Their Optical Properties VII
DOIs
StatePublished - 18 Nov 2009
Externally publishedYes
EventPlasmonics: Metallic Nanostructures and Their Optical Properties VII - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: 2 Aug 20096 Aug 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7394
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferencePlasmonics: Metallic Nanostructures and Their Optical Properties VII
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period2/08/096/08/09

Keywords

  • Geometric phase
  • Nanoaperture
  • Plasmon-polariton
  • Spin-orbit interaction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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