Fabry-Pérot resonances in one-dimensional plasmonic nanostructures.

We study the near-field optical behavior of Fabry-Pérot resonances in thin metal nanowires, also referred to as quasi one-dimensional plasmonic nanoantennas. From eigenmodes well beyond quadrupolar order we extract both, propagation constant and reflection phase of the guided surface plasmon polariton with superb accuracy. The combined symmetry breaking effects of oblique illumination and retardation allow the excitation of dipole forbidden, even order resonances. All measurements are supported by rigorous simulations of the experimental situation.