Polarization conversion through the excitation of electromagnetic modes on a grating

Guy P. Bryan-Brown; S. J. Elston; J. Roy Sambles

doi:10.1117/12.49414

1 October 1991 Polarization conversion through the excitation of electromagnetic modes on a grating

Guy P. Bryan-Brown, S. J. Elston, J. Roy Sambles

Proceedings Volume 1545, International Conference on the Application and Theory of Periodic Structures; (1991) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.49414
Event: San Diego, '91, 1991, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

Electromagnetic modes may be excited by photons using grating coupling to provide the necessary extra momentum. Rotation of the grating so that the grooves are no longer perpendicular to the plane of incidence (conical diffraction) breaks the symmetry of the system and introduces polarization conversion. This conversion is strongly enhanced when a mode is excited. Reflectivity data are presented showing polarization enhancement by the excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), long range surface plasmon polaritons, and resonant guided modes on surface modulated gratings. The dependence of this conversion on angle of incidence, azimuthal angle, and groove depth has been studied in detail. When the grooves are at 45 degree(s) to the plane of incidence, maximum conversion is recorded for the SPP. However, for guided modes the maximum conversion occurs at angles other than 45 degree(s). The conversion has been seen to rise monotonically with groove depth and efficiencies of over 50% are easily obtained via SPPs and guided modes. Theoretical comparisons with data are made using a rigorous differential method applicable for conical diffraction. This formulation uses a coordinate transformation between the grating surface and a planar system. The comparison between data and theory is very good and further theoretical modeling predicts that conversion efficiencies can approach 100% for appropriate circumstances.

Citation Download Citation

Guy P. Bryan-Brown, S. J. Elston, and J. Roy Sambles "Polarization conversion through the excitation of electromagnetic modes on a grating", Proc. SPIE 1545, International Conference on the Application and Theory of Periodic Structures, (1 October 1991); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.49414

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available