Researchers have developed a groundbreaking technique combining time-resolved electron microscopy with multi-polarization laser pulses, enabling precise analysis of plasmonic wave behavior. This innovative method reveals the complex nature of spin textures, specifically the dynamics of meron pairs, which could transform nanotechnology. Plasmons—collective electron vibrations—are crucial in applications such as sensing and light harvesting, with surface plasmon polaritons enhancing electromagnetic fields along metal surfaces.
The international team utilized multiple time-delayed laser pulses with four polarizations to capture the complete electric field of the plasmonic waves, marking a significant advancement in precision. They explored meron pairs, unique topological structures where spin direction covers half a sphere. Their findings, published in Advanced Photonics, demonstrated that the spin texture remains stable even as the electric and magnetic fields oscillate rapidly.
Moreover, the researchers successfully reconstructed the spin texture and its topological properties, establishing a Chern number of one, indicating a meron pair’s presence. This work opens pathways for understanding complex spin textures and their topological characteristics, which are vital for developing stable nanoscale materials and devices. The methodology is applicable to a range of plasmonic fields, enhancing future technological advancements.
