Dynamic Excitation of Surface Plasmon Polaritons with Vector Laguerre–Gaussian Beams

We investigate the dynamic excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) using vector Laguerre–Gauss (LG) beams, which offer unique properties for manipulating the polarization and spatial distribution of light. Our study demonstrates the efficient coupling of SPPs with LG beams, characterized by their azimuthal and radial indices (m,p), as well as polarization distribution type. Numerical simulations reveal that the vector nature of LG beams enables selective excitation of SPPs, depending on the polarization type of the beam. Experimental verification of our simulations is achieved using a gold circular Bragg grating and a spatial light modulator that generates vector LG beams. Leakage radiation imaging demonstrates the potential of vector LG beams for dynamic SPP excitation and manipulation. This study opens novel ways for the control of SPPs in plasmonic devices, such as modulators, and nanophotonic circuits.