Extraordinary Transmission in the UV Range from Sub-wavelength Slits on Semiconductors

Abstract

In this paper we describe a way to achieve the extraordinary transmission regime from sub-wavelength slits carved on semiconductor substrates. Unlike metals, the dielectric permittivity of typical semiconductors like GaAs or GaP is negative beginning in the extreme UV range (lambda <= 270nm). We show that the metal-like response of bulk semiconductors exhibits surface plasmon waves that lead to extraordinary transmission in the UV and soft X-ray ranges. The importance of realistic material response versus perfect conductors is also discussed. These findings may be important in high resolution photo-lithography, near field optical devices and ultra high density optical storage.