Nonlinear and gain optical devices formed in metal gratings

Abstract

In one aspect, an optical gain device is provided. The optical gain device comprises a metallic film and an optical gain medium. The metallic film has a plurality of slits therethrough. The plurality of slits are configured such that the film selectively and resonantly transmits light over a preselected frequency range. The optical gain medium is situated within or substantially near at least one slit of the plurality of slits.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An optical gain device, comprising:
 a metallic film, the film having a plurality of slits therethrough, the plurality of slits configured such that the film selectively and resonantly transmits light over a preselected frequency range; and   an optical gain medium, situated within or substantially near at least one slit of said plurality of slits.   
     
     
         2 . The optical gain device of  claim 1 , wherein the film is configured to resonantly transmit light in a visible or near infra-red wavelength range. 
     
     
         3 . The system as claim in  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of electrodes electrically connected to drive current through the optical gain medium in one or more of the slits. 
     
     
         4 . The system as in  claim 3 , wherein said one or more slits are Fabry-Perot cavities. 
     
     
         5 . The system as in  claim 4 , wherein at least one of the electrodes is coupled to a voltage driver. 
     
     
         6 . A method of generating light, comprising:
 providing a metallic film with a substantially regular array of slits therethrough, the array configured to selectively pass light in a band, the band including wavelengths larger than a width of the slits of the array;   producing an electromagnetic field within the slits by illuminating a region of said metallic film with light, the region including the array; and   optically amplifying light in the slits while performing the producing.   
     
     
         7 . The method as recited in  claim 6  wherein the optically amplifying further comprises receiving pump light in the slits. 
     
     
         8 . The method as recited in  claim 6  wherein one of the slits of the array of slits includes a Fabry-Perot cavity. 
     
     
         9 . The method as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said pump light has a wavelength configured to resonantly excite surface plasmon modes on the film or a waveguide mode in the slits. 
     
     
         10 . The method as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising enhancing a transmission of a second wavelength of light on the metallic film that occurs in response to the step of illuminating a region of one side.