Far-field optical imaging of a linear array of coupled gold nanocubes: direct visualization of dark plasmon propagating modes.

Abstract

Plasmonic nanoantenna arrays hold great promise for diffraction-unlimited light localization, confinement, and transport. Here, we report on linear plasmonic nanoantenna arrays composed of colloidal gold nanocubes precisely assembled using a nanomanipulation technique. In particular, we show the direct evidence of dark propagating modes in the plasmon coupling regime, allowing for transport of guided plasmon waves without far-field radiation losses. Additionally, we demonstrate the possibility of plasmon dispersion engineering in coupled gold nanocube chains. By assembling a nanocube chain with two sections of coupled nanocubes of different intercube separations, we are able to produce the effect of a band-pass nanofilter.