High-efficiency device for focusing light to subwavelength dimensions
US8503075B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 2009 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S359/90
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The general field of the invention is that of devices for focusing light to subwavelength dimensions including at least one focusing structure having a metal film provided with a first aperture that penetrates the film, the aperture having dimensions an order of magnitude smaller than the working wavelength of the focusing device. In the devices according to the invention, the focusing structure has at least one optical cavity placed around the aperture so that, when the structure is illuminated with a radiant flux at the working wavelength of the device, a large part of this flux is concentrated on the aperture by said cavity. Several embodiments are described using various cavities that may comprise plasmon reflectors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.