Circuit elements at optical frequencies: nano-inductors, nano-capacitors and nano-resistors

Abstract: We present some ideas for synthesizing nanocircuit elements in the optical domain using plasmonic and non-plasmonic nanoparticles. Three basic circuit elements, i.e., nano-inductors, nano-capacitors, and nano-resistors, are discussed in terms of small nanostructures with different material properties. Coupled nanocircuits and parallel and series combinations are also envisioned, which may provide road maps for the synthesis of more complex nanocircuits in the IR and visible bands. Ideas for the optical implementation of right-handed and left-handed nano-transmission lines are also forecasted.