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Title: Quantum theory of surface-plasmon polariton scattering

Journal Article · · Physical Review. A
 [1]; ;  [1]
  1. School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University, Belfast BT7 1NN (United Kingdom)

We introduce the quantum mechanical formalism for treating surface plasmon polariton scattering at an interface. Our developed theory--which differs fundamentally from the analogous photonic scenario--is used to investigate the possibility of plasmonic beam splitters at the quantum level. Remarkably, we find that a wide range of splitting ratios can be reached. As an application, we characterize a 50:50 plasmonic beam splitter and investigate first-order quantum interference of surface plasmon polaritons. The results of this theoretical study show that surface plasmon beam splitters are able to reliably and efficiently operate in the quantum domain.

OSTI ID:
21456931
Journal Information:
Physical Review. A, Vol. 82, Issue 1; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevA.82.012325; (c) 2010 The American Physical Society; ISSN 1050-2947
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English