Graphene-based optomechanically induced transparency for resonant excitation of a surface plasmon polariton

Cavity optomechanics, which focuses on the radiation-pressure interaction between electromagnetic fields and mechanical resonators, provides a suitable platform for exploring macroscopic quantum effects. Here, we propose an approach for coupler-free resonance excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs), which comprises a top vacuum or air layer, a metal film, and graphene placed on a dielectric slab. Unlike typical systems that employ an atomic or other solid medium, our setup takes advantage of the unique features of the graphene optomechanical (GOM) medium to investigate the direct resonance excitation of SPPs via optomechanical interactions. By employing two laser beams (a control beam and a probe beam) directed through air or vacuum to the top surface, we reveal that optomechanically induced transparency (OMIT) results from destructive interference between probe field and pump field-driven mechanical oscillations. We observe that this OMIT phenomenon possess the low-loss (high transmission) criterion in the region of slightly negative probe detuning, i.e., Re [epsilon(c)] << 1 and Im [epsilon(c)] < 1, which is the basis for observing the coupler-free resonance excitation of SPPs. We utilize the transfer matrix approach to compute the reflectance and transmittance spectra, and we observe small dips in the reflectance and high sharp peaks in the transmittance spectra, revealing coupler-free resonance excitation of SPPs. The amplitudes of these sharp peaks in transmittance spectra showing resonance excitation of SPPs that can be enhanced by properly adjusting the control parameters, including, the control laser beam power, angle of incidence, and the thickness of the metal film. This approach has the potential to provide advantages such as tunable coupling and dynamic control of SPPs, paving the way for plasmonic devices with enhanced functionality and performance.