Quantum plasmonic switch and sensor based on periodic metal-insulator-metal resonator

Abstract Electromagnetic coupling in the sub-wavelength metal-insulator-metal (MIM) resonator allows for the engineering of optical responses and the enhancement of localized near-fields. Recent studies have shown that quantum effects, such as the spill-out of electrons and non-local screening, become significant as the insulator gap distance approaches the sub-nanometer scale. In this study, we investigate the plasmon tunneling effects in a sandwich metasurface composed of two cascading periodic MIM resonator arrays. According to theoretical calculations, both tunneling current and tunneling conductivity can be dynamically modulated over a wide range by external bias within the 0−5 V range, providing a new scheme for designing adjustable optical devices. With this concept, the quantum plasmonic switch and sensor are designed in the mid-infrared spectral range. The proposed quantum plasmonic metasurface, characterized by its rapid response and exceptional integration capabilities, holds tremendous promise for applications in communication and sensing systems.