Toward Magneto‐Plasmonic Functionality in a Self‐Assembled Device Based on Colloidal Synthesis

Abstract

The confinement of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) offers strong field strengths also for longitudinal field components. Phenomena like spin‐momentum locking can thus be exploited for novel functionality in nano‐devices. An external control of transport or directional coupling of propagating SPPs, would be highly interesting for applications. In this paper we demonstrate coupling of noble metal and magnetic nanoparticles to a silver nanowire acting as SPP waveguide using a hybrid self‐assembly approach. We report on a designated setup to isolate and investigate magnetically controlled transport in such devices. Various configurations are measured to quantify the required sensitivity for the typically tiny magnet response at moderate strengths of the magnetic field. Although magnetic control could not be achieved, we were able to estimate the required improvements based on a heuristic numerical model. We suggest using an approach to enhance magnetic response using a combination of metal and magnetic nanoparticles. Such devices could be assembled in principle with self‐assembly approach in a multi‐step process.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.