Quantum dot-based local field imaging reveals plasmon-based interferometric logic in silver nanowire networks

Nano Lett. 2011 Feb 9;11(2):471-5. doi: 10.1021/nl103228b. Epub 2010 Dec 23.

Abstract

We show that the local electric field distribution of propagating plasmons along silver nanowires can be imaged by coating the nanowires with a layer of quantum dots, held off the surface of the nanowire by a nanoscale dielectric spacer layer. In simple networks of silver nanowires with two optical inputs, control of the optical polarization and phase of the input fields directs the guided waves to a specific nanowire output. The QD-luminescent images of these structures reveal that a complete family of phase-dependent, interferometric logic functions can be performed on these simple networks. These results show the potential for plasmonic waveguides to support compact interferometric logic operations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Interferometry / instrumentation*
  • Nanotechnology / instrumentation*
  • Nanotubes / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes / ultrastructure
  • Particle Size
  • Quantum Dots*
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted / instrumentation*
  • Silver / chemistry*
  • Surface Plasmon Resonance / instrumentation*

Substances

  • Silver