Spectral imaging of individual split-ring resonators

Abstract

We report on spectral imaging within individual silver split-ring resonators (SRRs) operating in the near infrared-visible range. We classified the optical eigenmodes from the measurement of their energies and nanometer scale spatial distributions. They are plasmonic standing waves that show great similarities with that of nanoantennas. We, however, evidenced marked differences in the near-field electric field lines' spatial distribution and the energies' dispersion. We also showed that the subwavelength defect's influence on the SRRs' eigenmodes spatial distribution is small. © 2010 The American Physical Society.