On chip control and detection of complex SPP and waveguide modes based on plasmonic interconnect circuits

Optical interconnects, leveraging surface plasmon modes, are revolutionizing high-performance computing and AI, overcoming the limitations of electrical interconnects in speed, energy efficiency, and miniaturization. These nanoscale photonic circuits integrate on-chip light manipulation and signal conversion, marking significant advancements in optoelectronics and data processing efficiency. Here, we present a novel plasmonic interconnect circuit, by introducing refractive index matching layer, the device supports both pure SPP and different hybrid modes, allowing selective excitation and transmission based on light wavelength and polarization, followed by photocurrent conversion. We optimized the coupling gratings to fine-tune transmission modes around specific near-infrared wavelengths for effective electrical detection. Simulation results align with experimental data, confirming the device’s ability to detect complex optical modes. This advancement broadens the applications of plasmonic interconnects in high-speed, compact optoelectronic and sensor technologies, enabling more versatile nanoscale optical signal processing and transmission.