Nano-hole array structure with improved surface plasmon energy matching characteristics

We present a nano-hole array structure in an opaque gold film that contains a cavity beneath each nano-hole. The cavity contributes to surface plasmon energy matching between the top and bottom surfaces of the gold and within the nano-hole structures. Based on bulk surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing experiments, the SP-matched structure had 2.8-fold higher differential transmission, 2-fold higher sensitivity, and a 7-fold higher ratio of extraordinary optical transmission at resonance to the nearby minimum compared to a conventional NHA. The results suggest that the structure with cavities has potential to improve performance of bulk SPR sensing applications. (C) 2012 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3679173]