Asymmetric transport of light in linearly arrayed metallic nano-particles

Abstract

A strong asymmetric light transport in a linear chain of spherical and equidistantly spaced silver metal nano-particles (MNPs) located near a substrate is reported. The contrast ratio of the proposed structure is above 0.95. We have studied the propagation of light in the array with respect to the metal and the size of the last nano-particle of the chain and the nature of the substrate. It is shown also that the presence of a copper or gold substrate enhance the guiding properties of the array. This structure opens the possibility to design various optical devices such as broadband antennae and optical diodes.