Optical resonances in optical thin films from metals to dielectrics

Optical resonances in continuous thin films have been under investigation for decades to push the limits of optical components or platforms for sensing or imaging applications. They occur under total internal reflection with the generation of surface plasmons in metallic films or of Bloch surface waves in dielectrics to generate large field enhancements in the near-field of the free interface. I will discuss both situations and give a quick comparison with advantages and drawbacks of both concepts in regard to common applications.