Enhanced optical transmission apparatus utilizing metal films having apertures and periodic surface topography
US6236033A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 9, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 22, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 9, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB82Y10/00
- WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus for enhanced light transmission is provided. The apparatus comprises a metal film having a first surface and a second surface, at least one aperture provided in the metal film and extending from the first surface to the second surface, and a periodic surface topography provided on at least one of the first and second surface of the metal film. Light incident on one of the surfaces of the metal film interacts with a surface plasmon mode on at least one of the surfaces of the metal film thereby enhancing transmission of light through the at least one aperture in the metal film. The apparatus may have a single aperture or a plurality of periodically arranged apertures. Wavelength-selective optical filters, spatial optical filters, light collectors, near-field scanning optical microscope probes and photolithographic masks are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.