Nanoscale magnetophotonics

in Journal of Applied Physics (2020), 127(8), 080903

This Perspective surveys the state-of-the-art and future prospects of science and technology employing nanoconfined light (nanophotonics and nanoplasmonics) in combination with magnetism. We denote this ... [more ▼]

This Perspective surveys the state-of-the-art and future prospects of science and technology employing nanoconfined light (nanophotonics and nanoplasmonics) in combination with magnetism. We denote this field broadly as nanoscale magnetophotonics. We include a general introduction to the field and describe the emerging magneto-optical effects in magnetoplasmonic and magnetophotonic nanostructures supporting localized and propagating plasmons. Special attention is given to magnetoplasmonic crystals with transverse magnetization and the associated nanophotonic non-reciprocal effects and to magneto-optical effects in periodic arrays of nanostructures. We also give an overview of the applications of these systems in biological and chemical sensing, as well as in light polarization and phase control. We further review the area of nonlinear magnetophotonics, the semiconductor spin-plasmonics, and the general principles and applications of opto-magnetism and nano-optical ultrafast control of magnetism and spintronics. [less ▲]

Magnetic Control of the Chiroptical Plasmonic Surfaces

in Nano Letters (2018), 18(1), 302-307

A major challenge facing plasmon nanophotonics is the poor dynamic tunability. A functional nanophotonic element would feature the real-time sizable tunability of transmission, reflection of light's ... [more ▼]

A major challenge facing plasmon nanophotonics is the poor dynamic tunability. A functional nanophotonic element would feature the real-time sizable tunability of transmission, reflection of light's intensity or polarization over a broad range of wavelengths, and would be robust and easy to integrate. Several approaches have been explored so far including mechanical deformation, thermal, or refractive index effects, and all-optical switching. Here we devise an ultrathin chiroptical surface, built on two-dimensional nanoantennas, where the chiral light transmission is controlled by the externally applied magnetic field. The magnetic field-induced modulation of the far-field chiroptical response with this surface exceeds 100% in the visible and near-infrared spectral ranges, opening the route for nanometer-thin magnetoplasmonic light-modulating surfaces tuned in real time and featuring a broad spectral response. [less ▲]

Magnetoplasmonic Design Rules for Active Magneto-Optics

in Nano Letters (2014), 14(12), 7207-7214

Light polarization rotators and nonreciprocal optical isolators are essential building blocks in photonics technology. These macroscopic passive devices are commonly based on magneto-optical Faraday and ... [more ▼]

Light polarization rotators and nonreciprocal optical isolators are essential building blocks in photonics technology. These macroscopic passive devices are commonly based on magneto-optical Faraday and Kerr polarization rotation. Magnetoplasmonics, the combination of magnetism and plasmonics, is a promising route to bring these devices to the nanoscale. We introduce design rules for highly tunable active magnetoplasmonic elements in which we can tailor the amplitude and sign of the Kerr response over a broad spectral range. [less ▲]