Optical Characterisation of Nanostructured Metallic Split-Ring Arrays

In this paper we demonstrate the fabrication of arrays of gold rings and split-rings on glass slides. Nano-scale ring arrays are promising structures for sensing applications as they act as optical antennae, producing high localised electric fields. However, in order to fully exploit the properties of these structures, an in-depth understanding of the optical properties coupled with a highly reproducible and flexible fabrication technique is needed. In this work we use electron-beam lithography as it allows not only precise control of the size, shape and spacing of the arrays, but also the scope to design novel shapes at will.