Exploring the Optical Behavior of Light Through Periodic Slits in Thick Silver Films: A Stimulation Based Approach in Vision Sciences

Background and Objectives: The interaction of light with metallic nanostructures has opened new frontiers in photonics and optoelectronics.Silver, with its unique optical properties and minimal loss in the visible spectrum, enables phenomena like surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and extraordinary optical transmission (EOT).These effects offer significant potential for advancing applications in sensing, imaging, and nanophotonics.This study aims to investigate the optical behavior of light through periodic arrays of slits in thick silver films, focusing on the influence of geometric parameters and surface plasmonic effects on transmission efficiency and electric field enhancement.METHODOLOGY: Finite element method (FEM)-based numerical simulations were conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics.Silver films with slit widths ranging from 10 nm to 100 nm were modeled under transverse magnetic (TM) polarized light.Parameters such as electric field enhancement, power flow, and slit periodicity were analyzed across wavelengths from 430 nm to 720 nm.RESULTS: Simulations revealed that slit periodicity and geometry significantly impact transmission efficiency, with optimal configurations resulting in enhanced electric fields due to SPP excitation.At periodicities matching the SPP wavelength, transmission was reduced, highlighting the role of constructive and destructive interference.Peak power flow occurred at shorter wavelengths, aligning with enhanced plasmonic activity.CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that by tailoring the geometry of periodic slits in silver films, it is possible to control light-matter interactions for advanced applications in nanophotonics, sensing, and energy harvesting.The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of plasmonic phenomena and their practical implications.