Plasmonic transducer having two metal elements with a gap disposed therebetween

摘要

A plasmonic transducer includes at least two metal elements with a gap therebetween. The metal elements are elongated along a plasmon-enhanced, near-field radiation delivery axis. Cross sections of the metal elements in a plane normal to the delivery axis vary in shape along the delivery axis. A waveguide is disposed along an elongated side of the plasmonic transducer. The waveguide is optically coupled to the plasmonic transducer along the elongated side.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
forming, on a substrate, a waveguide having an elongated delivery axis that extends to a media-facing surface; forming at least two metal elements with a first gap therebetween over the waveguide, wherein the first gap is elongated along the delivery axis, and wherein the at least two metal elements are joined at a narrowed tip proximate the media-facing surface; and forming a small gap through the narrowed tip, the small gap extending from the first gap to the media-facing surface.