Spatial mapping of optical modes in plasmonic nanoantenna by scanning tunneling microscopy

Abstract Using of inelastic electron tunnelling is very promising approach to study of subwavelength photons and plasmons sources. Such sources are very important for improving of on-chip data processing. One of the ways for development of efficient and compact optical electrically-driven sources is using of nanoantenna placed into the tunnel junction. In this work, singe optical nanoantenna was investigated under ultra-high vacuum and ambient conditions. Photon maps of nanoantenna excited under scanning tunnel microscope tip was observed and the obtained results was compared with the theoretical predictions of electromagnetic near-field distribution.