Electromagnetic crystals for surface plasmon polaritons and the extraction of light from emissive devices

Periodically textured metallic films are discussed as a method of extracting light from thin-film emissive devices. The proposed scheme involves coupling the emitters to a surface plasmon polariton mode of the structure and producing useful radiation by scattering this mode off periodic microstructure. The concepts involved are developed and the details associated with several specific candidate structures explored. The potential of these structures to enhance the emissive process is assessed, and possible problems, especially loss in the metal, are discussed