Modulation of localized surface plasmon resonance for an array of Ag nanostructures layered with nematic liquid crystals

Sensitivity of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) for an array of Ag (silver) nanostructures layered with nematic liquid crystals (NLC) is investigated. Calculations are made by using finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method under different geometrical and environmental parameters. Results show that the LSPR wavelength in this array can be controlled and tuned to infrared wavelength range by the rotation of the NLC optical-axis. The rotation of the array and the modifications to height of the NLC layer, the size and periods of the array can affect the sensitivity of the LSPR. The sensitivity is higher when the optical-axis is in xoz plane, than that for the optical-axis in xoy plane. An improved sensitivity has been obtained in the simulation.