Apparatuses and methods for modulating electromagnetic radiation are
disclosed. A plasmon waveguide including an array of metallic
nanoparticles disposed on a dielectric substrate is provided. The plasmon
waveguide is disposed on a MEMS structure. An electromagnetic radiation
signal is applied to a tapered fiber disposed proximate the MEMS
structure. The intensity of the electromagnetic radiation signal passing
through the tapered fiber is modified by displacing a deformable member
of the MEMS structure to modify a distance between the plasmon waveguide
and the tapered fiber such that an evanescent field of the tapered fiber
causes a plasmon resonance in the plasmon waveguide.