Ultra-compact two-dimensional plasmonic nano-ring antenna array for sensing applications

In this paper, a novel optical nanoantenna based on two-dimensional plasmonic nano-ring antenna array is proposed, investigated numerically and compared with a nano-disk antenna array. The results show that the nano-ring structure has resonances similar to the resonances of nano-disk structure but in higher wavelengths. These resonances are tunable by varying the structural parameters of the ring. The optical properties of the proposed structure are investigated in the context of designing a plasmonic refractive index sensor. The nano-ring antenna array sensor has large sensitivity in comparison to the conventional nano-disk antenna arrays. The special feature of the presented structure and the device concepts introduced in this work are applicable in realization of various integrated components and could play an important role in development of plasmonic sensors.