Extreme local field enhancement by hybrid epsilon-near-zero–plasmon mode in thin films of transparent conductive oxides

Abstract

Epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials display unique properties, and among them, large local field enhancement at ENZ frequency is of particular interest for many potential applications. In this Letter, we introduce the concept that a combination of epsilon-near-zero and surface plasmon polariton modes can be excited over an interface between a dielectric and a single ENZ layer in a specific frequency region, which can lead to extreme enhancement of local electric field. We demonstrate it with a systematic numerical simulation using finite element analysis and consider two configurations (Kretschmann configuration and a grating configuration), where an indium tin oxide (ITO) layer is sandwiched between two dielectric slabs. We confirm the formation of a hybrid mode at the ITO–dielectric interface at the wavelength of ENZ, as the ITO layer thickness reduces. The hybrid mode provides both high confinement and long propagation distance, which makes it more attractive for many applications than just a pure ENZ mode.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Oct 12, 2020
Source ID
10.1364/ol.402647

Entities

People

  • Alexander Baev
  • Innem V. A. K. Reddy
  • Josep M. Jornet
  • Paras Nath Prasad

Organizations

  • Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electromagnetic Wave Scattering and Antenna Radiation Engineering
  • Nanofabrication and Microfabrication.
  • Quantum Dot Semiconductor Device Photonics and Graphene Optoelectronic Materials and THz Physics.