Polarization Conversion Using Prism-coupled Surface Plasmon-polaritons

Abstract

Evanescent prism coupling through a thin silver film provides a convenient mechanism for excitation of surface plasmon-polaritons (SPPs). However, the SPP is observed as a dip in p-polarized reflectivity, which may be inconvenient in sensor application. Here we observe the effect of rotation of the plane of incident polarization. This leads to the observation of polarization mixing at SPP excitation, and a peak reflectivity signal is obtained between crossed polarizers. This provides a powerful mechanism for SPP observation as a peak, which may be more easily monitored.