Surface multiplasmonics with periodically non-homogeneous thin films

Multiple surface-plasmon-polariton (SPP) waves - all of the same frequency but with different phase speeds, attenuation rates, degrees of localization to the SPP wave-guiding interface, and spatial profiles - can be guided in a specific direction by an interface of a metal and a dielectric material that is periodically non-homogeneous along the normal to the interface. The partnering dielectric material can be isotropic or anisotropic. Whereas the solution of the canonical boundary-value problem is the best way to characterize these SPP waves, solutions of the Turbadar-Kretschmann-Raether and the grating-coupled configurations - involving periodically non-homogeneous thin films - assist in the practical launching of multiple SPP waves. The possibility of exciting multiple SPP waves promises multianalyte chemical sensors, multichannel communication, and enhanced efficiency of thin-film solar cells.