Performance analysis of nitride alternative plasmonic materials for localized surface plasmon applications

U. Guler, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Gururaj V. Naik, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Alexandra Boltasseva, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University; Technical University of Denmark
Vladimir M. Shalaev, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University
Alexander V. Kildishev, Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University

Abstract

We consider methods to define the performance metrics for different plasmonic materials to be used in localized surface plasmon applications. Optical efficiencies are shown to be better indicators of performance as compared to approximations in the quasistatic regime. The near-field intensity efficiency, which is a generalized form of the well-known scattering efficiency, is a more flexible and useful metric for local-field enhancement applications. We also examine the evolution of the field enhancement from a particle surface to the far-field regime for spherical nanoparticles with varying radii. Titanium nitride and zirconium nitride, which were recently suggested as alternative plasmonic materials in the visible and near-infrared ranges, are compared to the performance of gold. In contrast to the results from quasistatic methods, both nitride materials are very good alternatives to the usual plasmonic materials.

Discipline(s)

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology