Polarization-dependent coupling to plasmon modes on submicron gold wire in photonic crystal fiber

We present experimental results on coupling to surface plasmon modes on gold nanowires selectively introduced into polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fibers. Highly polarization- and wavelength-dependent transmission is observed. In one sample 24.5 mm long, the transmission on and off resonance differs by as much as 45 dB. Near-field optical images of the light emerging from such a gold-filled fiber show light guided on the wire at surface plasmon resonances. Finite element simulations are in good agreement with the experimental results. These gold-filled fibers can be potentially used as in-fiber wavelength-dependent filters and polarizers and as near-field tips for sub-wavelength-scale imaging. © 2008 American Institute of Physics.