Optics of Metallic Nanostructures

This chapter presents a review of the optical properties of metallo-dielectric nanostructured systems. Two complementary systems are discussed: plasmonic crystals and assemblies of strongly interacting nanorods. The optical properties of plasmonic crystals stem from propagating surface plasmons polaritons, while the eigenmodes supported by arrays of nanorods originate from localized surface plasmons. Both types of structures demonstrate unique optical properties governed by these fundamental resonances. The optical response of these nanostructured materials is considered based on both experimental and numerical investigations. The remarkable potential for applications, including the design of nanodevices with tailored active functionalities, are also discussed and exemplified.