Modulation of extraordinary optical transmission through nanohole arrays using ultrashort laser pulses

We use three dimensional finite-difference-time-domain simulations to study the dynamics of extraordinary optical transmission through arrays of nanoholes in 200 nm-thick Au films on silicon nitride substrates. By diving the light source into two identical 5 femtosecond pulses and tuning the relative delay between them, we are able to modulate both the intensity and spectra of the transmitted light on ultrashort time scales. Simulations demonstrate that the intensity and distribution of the electric fields on the surface of the film and within the nanoholes are altered by changing the pulse delay.