Abstract

Optical antennas are devices employed for collecting, confining and redirecting radiation from nanometer –scale volumes. Theses characteristics are usually defined by designed parameters such as antenna’s morphology and the manner constituting elements are interacting. We have developed a novel imaging technique capable of fully characterizing individual optical nanoantennas by measuring their operating frequencies, relative gains and radiation patterns. In order to actively act on an antenna performance, we introduce a variable antenna load commanded by an external electrical trigger. This on-demand control opens up the possibility to tune an antenna without changing its geometrical parameters.

© 2010 Optical Society of America