초록 ▼

An apparatus for enhanced light transmission through a perforated metal film is provided. The apparatus comprises a metal film having a first surface and a second surface, at least one aperture provided in the metal film and extending from the first surface to the second surface, and first and secon

An apparatus for enhanced light transmission through a perforated metal film is provided. The apparatus comprises a metal film having a first surface and a second surface, at least one aperture provided in the metal film and extending from the first surface to the second surface, and first and second dielectric layers. The first dielectric layer is provided substantially adjacent to the first metal film surface, and the second dielectric layer is provided substantially adjacent to the second metal film surface. The respective refractive indices of the first and second dielectric layers are substantially equal. Light incident on one of the surfaces of the metal film interacts with a surface plasmon mode on at least one of the surfaces of the metal film thereby enhancing transmission of light through the at least one aperture in the metal film. The apparatus may have a single aperture or a plurality of periodically arranged apertures, and the metal film surface may be provided with or without a periodic surface topography for further enhanced transmission. Wavelength-selective optical filters, spatial optical filters, light collectors, near-field scanning optical microscope probes and photolithographic masks are also provided.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An apparatus for enhanced light transmission comprising:a metal film having a first surface and a second surface, at least one aperture provided in the metal film and extending from the first surface to the second surface;a first dielectric layer having a first refracti

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. An apparatus for enhanced light transmission comprising:a metal film having a first surface and a second surface, at least one aperture provided in the metal film and extending from the first surface to the second surface;a first dielectric layer having a first refractive index, the first dielectric layer being substantially adjacent to the first surface of the metal film; anda second dielectric layer having a second refractive index, the second dielectric layer being substantially adjacent to the second surface of the metal film, wherein the second refractive index is substantially equal to the first refractive index, and whereby light incident on one of the surfaces of the metal film interacts with a surface plasmon mode on at least one of the surfaces of the metal film thereby enhancing transmission of light through the at least one aperture in the metal film.