Slow Propagation, Anomalous Absorption, and Total External Reflection of Surface Plasmon Polaritons in Nanolayer Systems

摘要

We predict that a nanoscopic, high-permittivity layer on the surface of a plasmonic metal can cause total external reflection of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). Such a layer can be used as a mirror in nanoplasmonics, in particular for resonators of nanolasers and spasers and also can be used in adiabatic nanooptics. We also show that the earlier predicted slow propagating SPP modes, especially those with negative refraction, are highly damped.