Third-order nonlinearity by the inverse Faraday effect in planar magnetoplasmonic structures

Abstract

We predict a new type of ultrafast third-order nonlinearity of surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) in planar magneto-plasmonic structures caused by the inverse Faraday effect (IFE). Planar SPPs with a significant longitudinal component of the electric field act via the IFE as an effective transverse magnetic field. Its response to the plasmon propagation leads to strong ultrafast self-action which manifests itself through a third-order nonlinearity. We derive a general formula and analytical expressions for the IFE-related nonlinear susceptibility for two specific planar magneto-plasmonic structures from the Lorentz reciprocity theorem. Our estimations predict a very large nonlinear third-order nonlinear susceptibility exceeding those of typical metals such as gold.