Low‐loss, infrared and terahertz nanophotonics using surface phonon polaritons

Abstract The excitation of surface‐phonon‐polariton (SPhP) modes in polar dielectric crystals and the associated new developments in the field of SPhPs are reviewed. The emphasis of this work is on providing an understanding of the general phenomenon, including the origin of the Reststrahlen band, the role that optical phonons in polar dielectric lattices play in supporting sub‐diffraction‐limited modes and how the relatively long optical phonon lifetimes can lead to the low optical losses observed within these materials. Based on this overview, the achievements attained to date and the potential technological advantages of these materials are discussed for localized modes in nanostructures, propagating modes…

• NC
  North Carolina State University
• LT
  Leverhulme Trust
• UO
  University of Manchester
• EA
  Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

  Award: EP/H000917/2
• OO
  Office of Naval Research