Nec Research Institute, Inc.

Tae J Kim

Eugen Schenfeld

David T Neilson

Tineke Thio

Henri Joseph Lezec

Thomas W Ebbesen

Thomas Wren Ebbesen

Kenneth W Fasanella

Ajit Krishnan

An apparatus for enhanced light transmission through a perforated metal film is provided. The apparatus comprises a metal film having a first surface and a second surface, at least one aperture provided in the metal film and extending from the first surface to the second surface, and first and second dielectric layers. The first dielectric layer is provided substantially adjacent to the first metal film surface, and the second dielectric layer is provided substantially adjacent to the second metal film surface. The respective refractive indices of the first and second dielectric layers are substantially equal. Light incident on one of the surfaces of the metal film interacts with a surface plasmon mode on at least one of the surfaces of the metal film thereby enhancing transmission of light through the at least one aperture in the metal film. The apparatus may have a single aperture or a plurality of periodically arranged apertures, and the metal film surface may be provided with or without a periodic surface topography for further enhanced transmission. Wavelength-selective optical filters, spatial optical filters, light collectors, near-field scanning optical microscope probes and photolithographic masks are also provided.

Enhanced optical transmission apparatus with improved inter-surface coupling

Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, an optical transmission modulation apparatus is provided for modulating light transmitted through the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a metal film having a periodic array of subwavelength-diameter holes provided therein, and a supporting layer. At least a portion of the supporting layer has a selectively variable refractive index, the selectively variable refractive index portion being substantially adjacent to the metal film such that the metal film and the supporting layer form a perforated metal film unit. Selective variation of the refractive index of the selectively variable refractive index portion modulates the intensity of the light transmitted through the perforated metal film unit without substantially changing the direction of the light. Flat panel displays, spatial light modulators and tunable optical filters based on the optical transmission control apparatus are also provided.

Optical transmission control apparatus utilizing metal films perforated

Optical components that are designed to be coupled together in modular fashion to form an optical network. The components are shaped so that a plurality of components can be coupled together to form a light cube. The components are provided with mating means to permit easy coupling. The preferred form of component is a right-angled triangular prism that can be coupled together with a similar prism to form a cube.

Optomechanical components for use as optical interconnects

A modular building block for supporting arrays of microlenses, microlasers and microphotodetectors, etc. in an optical beam relay system used as an optical interconnection network. The building block includes a frame member on which is mounted the array. The frame member includes a base portion that is press fitted to the smooth top surface of a plate member. The bottom surface of the plate member includes a rail portion that is secured into a groove in the support structure, such as a table, that also supports various elements of the optical interconnection network.

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Plainsboro, NJ, United States of America

Tae J Kim