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Effect of the Number of Zones in a One-Dimensional Plasmonic Zone Plate Lens: Simulation and Experiment

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Abstract

A 1D plasmonic zone plate lens (PZPL) consisting of nano-slits within a metal film introduces a phase delay distribution across the planar device surface by a modulation of the slit widths and positions to achieve light focusing. Using the finite-difference time-domain method, the number of zones is found to be a crucial factor for a well-controlled focal length, i.e. at least three zones are necessary for a PZPL exhibiting a focal length in agreement with the design. This conclusion is confirmed by confocal scanning optical microscopy on PZPLs patterned in an aluminium film. In addition, subwavelength light focusing is demonstrated both theoretically and experimentally in a PZPL. A larger PZPL, i.e. more zones, shows a higher resolution. A full full-width half-maximum of 0.37λ in the focal plane is shown theoretically in a PZPL with seven zones. A comparison between the PZPL and the plasmonic Fresnel zone plate shows that PZPLs have a higher contrast at the focus.

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Acknowledgement

The author appreciates the help of Dr. Tomas Dieing and Dr. Elena Bailo from WITech GmbH for their support with confocal scanning optical microscopy. He also thanks Prof. David Cumming for his useful suggestion. This project is funded by a grant from the UK EPSRC.

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  1. School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, Rankine Building, Oakfield Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8LT, UK

    Qin Chen

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  1. Qin Chen
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Correspondence to Qin Chen.

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Chen, Q. Effect of the Number of Zones in a One-Dimensional Plasmonic Zone Plate Lens: Simulation and Experiment. Plasmonics 6, 75–82 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11468-010-9171-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11468-010-9171-6

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