Lattice plasmon mode excitation via near-field coupling

The optical response of metal nanoparticles can be modified through near-field or far-field interaction, yet the lattice plasmon modes (LPMs) considered can only be excited from the latter. Here instead, we present a theoretical evaluation for LPM excitation via the near-field coupling process. The sample is an arrayed structure with specific units composed of upper metal disks, a lower metal hole and a sandwiched dielectric post. The excitation process and underlying mechanism of the LPM and the influence of the structure parameters on the optical properties have been investigated in detail by using a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) numerical method. Our investigation presented here should advance the understanding of near-field interaction of plasmon modes for LPM excitation, and LPMs could find some potential applications, such as in near-field optical microscopes, biosensors, optical filters and plasmonic lasers.