Harmonic generation in plasmonic nanowires

Since its discovery, nonlinear optics, whereby light can be used to control and interact with light, has generated enormous interest in many scientific areas [1]. Plasmonic modes, where light is bound to a metal-dielectric interface, and surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in particular, are known for their high field confinement and enhancements. Hence these modes are attractive candidates to increase nonlinear optical responses and play an important role in a variety of applications ranging from biosensing, ultrafast switching, quantum optics and fully functional nanophotonic circuitry [2]. Here, we present first observations of the efficient harmonic generation in a guided plasmonic nanosystem, paving the way towards the guidance and control of nonlinear effects at the nanoscale.