Radiative properties of diffractively-coupled optical nano-antennas with helical geometry

In this paper, using the rigorous Surface Integral Equation (SIE) method, we study light scattering by Au nano-helices with geometrical dimensions comparable to the wavelength of visible light and we demonstrate that they behave as highly directional nano-antennas with largely controllable radiation and polarization characteristics in the optical regime. In particular, we systematically investigate the radiation properties of helical nano-antennas with realistic Au dispersion parameters in the visible spectral range, and we establish general design rules that enable the engineering of directional scattering with elliptical or circular polarization. Given the realistic material and geometric parameters used in this work, our findings provide novel opportunities for the engineering of chiral sensors, filters, and components for nano-scale antennas with unprecedented beam forming and polarization capabilities. (C) 2015 Optical Society of America