Spectroscopic Mode Mapping of Resonant Plasmon Nanoantennas

Abstract

We present spatially resolved spectral mode mapping of resonant plasmon gap antennas using two-photon luminescence microspectroscopy. The obtained maps are in good agreement with 3D calculations of the antenna modes. The evolution of the modal field with wavelength, both in the gap and along the two coupled gold nanowires forming the antenna, is directly visualized. At resonance, the luminescence for the gap area is enhanced at least 80 times and a comparison with the antenna extremities shows a dynamical charge redistribution due to the near-field coupling between the two arms.