Path-selective lasing in nanostructures based on molecular control of localized surface plasmons

Abstract

We propose a new type of nanodevice, capable of both path-selectivity and anisotropic lasing, that is based on loss-compensation and amplification by a localized plasmon polariton. The nanodevice is a Y-shaped plasmonic nanostructure embedded in an anisotropic host medium with gain. The anisotropy leads to path selectivity, an effect which is more pronounced once gain is included. Such a device is potentially realizable via bottom-up techniques. The path-selectivity may be coupled with activation of a rotation of the anisotropic host medium for inducing a light-guiding switching functionality.