Active control of surface plasmon-polariton waves

We outline a new concept for active plasmonics that exploits light-induced nanoscale structural transformations in the waveguide material. The concept is illustrated by numerical modelling and test experiments on a gallium–dielectric interface. We also discuss other possible implementations of the concept such as an electro-plasmon modulator, a plasmon detector and a switch that controls one plasmon wave with another.

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