Enhanced transmission through periodic arrays of subwavelength holes: the role of localized waveguide resonances

By using the rigid full-vectorial three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method, we show that the enhanced transmission through a metallic film with a periodic array of subwavelength holes results from two different resonances: (i) localized waveguide resonances where each air hole can be considered as a section of metallic waveguide with both ends open to free space, forming a low-quality-factor resonator, and (ii) well-recognized surface plasmon resonances due to the periodicity. These two different resonances can be characterized from electromagnetic band structures in the structured metal film. In addition, we show that the shape effect in the enhanced transmission through the Au film with subwavelength holes is attributed to the localized waveguide resonance.