Multiple surface-plasmon-polariton waves localized to a metallic defect layer in a sculptured nematic thin film

The propagation of a surface-plasmon-polariton (SPP) wave guided by a thin metallic defect layer in a sculptured nematic thin film (SNTF) - a periodically nonhomogeneous, anisotropic, dielectric material - was studied theoretically. If the defect layer is sufficiently thick, SPP waves propagate independently along the two metal/SNTF interfaces formed by the presence of the defect layer in the SNTF. As the thickness of the defect layer is reduced, SPP wave propagation is modified by the coupling of the two interfaces. The number of SPP waves increases and lower attenuation rates along the direction of propagation become possible.(