Ponderomotive Electron Acceleration in a Silicon-Based Nanoplasmonic Waveguide

S. Sederberg and A. Y. Elezzabi
Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 167401 – Published 14 October 2014
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Abstract

Ponderomotive electron acceleration is demonstrated in a semiconductor-loaded nanoplasmonic waveguide. Photogenerated free carriers are accelerated by the tightly confined nanoplasmonic fields and reach energies exceeding the threshold for impact ionization. Broadband (375nmλ650nm) white light emission is observed from the nanoplasmonic waveguides. Exponential growth of visible light emission confirms the exponential growth of the electron population, demonstrating the presence of an optical-field-driven electron avalanche. Electron sweeping dynamics are visualized using pump-probe measurements, and a sweeping time of 1.98±0.40ps is measured. These findings offer a means to harness the potential of the emerging field of ultrafast nonlinear nanoplasmonics.

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  • Received 15 January 2014

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.113.167401

© 2014 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

S. Sederberg* and A. Y. Elezzabi

  • Ultrafast Optics and Nanophotonics Research Laboratory, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2V4, Canada

  • *Present address: Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics, Hans-Kopfermann-Strasse 1, 85748 Garching, Germany.

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Issue

Vol. 113, Iss. 16 — 17 October 2014

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