A device for coupling an input signal to an output signal includes a metal
transmission line; an ultra-small resonant receiver structure operatively
connected to an end of the transmission line constructed and adapted
receive the input signal and to cause at least part of the input signal
to be passed along the transmission line in the form of plasmons; an
ultra-small resonant transmitter structure operatively connected to
another end of the transmission line and constructed and adapted to
receive at least some of the plasmons corresponding to the input signal
on the transmission line and to transmit the received signal as an output
signal; a source of charged particles constructed and adapted to deliver
a beam of charged particles along a path adjacent the ultra-small
resonant receiver structure, wherein the input signal is encoded in the
beam of charged particles; and a detector mechanism constructed and
adapted to detect the output signal from the ultra-small resonant
transmitter structure and to provide a signal representative of the
output signal to another circuit. The receiver and/or transmitter
structures may be formed on, in or adjacent to the transmission line.