Numerical Study of Plasmonic Modes in Hexagonally Arranged Metal Nanowire Array

A plasmonic waveguide containing hexagonally arranged parallel metallic nanowires with hexagonal cross sections embedded in a silica fiber is proposed and discussed. According to simulations of surface plasmon polariton eigenmodes at varying geometrical transverse parameters, we obtain comprehensive mode characteristics, including field mode distribution, effective refractive index, propagation length, and lateral mode radius, thus allowing us to investigate the precise trade-off between propagation length and confinement, which is very important in designing plasmonic waveguides of different applications. This waveguide is also proved to be robust against fabrication imperfections, which makes its manufacture and practical applicability feasible.