Normal-incidence scattering of surface plasmon polaritons by one-dimensional nanoindentations: a multimodal description

In this paper a theoretical study is made on the scattering of surface plasmon polaritons by a finite periodic array of one-dimensional rectangular grooves. Our approach is based on a multimodal expansion technique. We have found that the geometrical parameters of the array can be properly tuned to achieve optimal performance of the structure either as a Bragg reflector or as a converter of surface plasmon polaritons into light. Most importantly, such functionalities can be fully achieved with a relatively small number of grooves.