Analysis of the Principle and Applications for Surface Plasmon Polariton

Abstract

The integrated optics technology based on Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SPPs) is gradually emerging as a breakthrough for optical devices, owing to its high field localization and strong energy density. Currently, SPP-based technologies, such as optical modulators and wavelength filters, have demonstrated significant application value. However, the research on SPPs is predominantly focused on the visible and near-infrared bands due to difficulties in wavevector matching for excitation, insufficient theoretical investigations of SPPs, and limitations of micro-nanofabrication techniques. Consequently, research on SPPs in information transmission bands like the far-infrared is still scarce. Therefore, this paper starts from the electromagnetic theory fundamentals of SPPs and explores their redshift characteristics and excitation mechanisms. Subsequently, it summarizes research and modulation techniques in the infrared band, comparing and analyzing the advantages and limitations of optical devices based on the principles of SPPs. Finally, it presents some limitations of current SPP research and the development prospects of far-infrared devices.