Spin-polarized Voltages on a 2D Self-assembled Plasmonic Crystal
arXiv:1509.04739 · doi:10.1364/OE.24.010402
Abstract
The Photon Drag Effect (PDE) is a nonlinear process akin to optical rectification in which the momentum of light is transferred to charged carriers and converted to a DC voltage. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the spin-polarized voltage, associated with the transference of light's spin angular momenta to the linear momenta of charges, with visible-light illumination on a nanovoid self-assembled plasmonic crystal surface. Numerical calculations show that the gradient force, generally considered independent of polarization, is responsible for the majority of the momentum transfer. The PDE in this achiral system represents a distinct spin-orbit interaction that produces asymmetric hotspots whose locations change with circular polarization handedness. Our results significantly advance our understanding of the PDE and demonstrate realistic potential for scalable plasmonic materials that utilize PDE.
6 pages, 5 figures
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- Spin-orbit interactions of light
- Transverse and longitudinal angular momenta of light
- Conservation of Angular Momentum, Transverse Shift, and Spin Hall Effect in Reflection and Refraction of Electromagnetic Wave Packet
- Observation of the spin-based plasmonic effect in nanoscale structures
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