Squeezing the Optical Near-Field Zone by Plasmon Coupling of Metallic Nanoparticles

J. R. Krenn; A. Dereux; J. C. Weeber; E. Bourillot; Y. Lacroute; J. P. Goudonnet; G. Schider; W. Gotschy; A. Leitner; F. R. Aussenegg; C. Girard

doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.82.2590

Squeezing the Optical Near-Field Zone by Plasmon Coupling of Metallic Nanoparticles

J. R. Krenn, A. Dereux, J. C. Weeber, E. Bourillot, Y. Lacroute, J. P. Goudonnet, G. Schider, W. Gotschy, A. Leitner, F. R. Aussenegg, and C. Girard

Phys. Rev. Lett. 82, 2590 – Published 22 March 1999

Abstract

We report on the experimental observation of near-field optical effects close to Au nanoparticles using a photon scanning tunneling microscope (PSTM). Constant height operation of the PSTM allowed an unprecedented direct comparison with theoretical computations of the distribution of the optical near-field intensity. An unexpected squeezing of the optical near field due to plasmon coupling was observed above a chain of Au nanoparticles.