Tuning of an optical dimer nanoantenna by electrically controlling its load impedance

Nano Lett. 2009 Nov;9(11):3914-21. doi: 10.1021/nl902126z.

Abstract

Optical antennas are elementary units used to direct optical radiation to the nanoscale. Here we demonstrate an active control over individual antenna performances by an external electrical trigger. We find that by an in-plane command of an anisotropic load medium, the electromagnetic interaction between individual elements constituting an optical antenna can be controlled, resulting in a strong polarization and tuning response. An active command of the antenna is a prerequisite for directing light wave through the utilization of such a device.