We demonstrate a metamaterial device whose far-infrared resonance frequency can be dynamically tuned. Dynamic tuning should alleviate many bandwidth-related roadblocks to metamaterial application by granting a wide matrix of selectable electromagnetic properties. This tuning effect is achieved via a hybrid-metamaterial architecture; intertwining split ring resonator metamaterial elements with vanadium dioxide ͑VO 2 ͒-a material whose optical properties can be strongly and quickly changed via external stimulus. This hybrid structure concept opens a fresh dimension in both exploring and exploiting the intriguing electromagnetic behavior of metamaterials.

A process is demonstrated for tuning the magnetic resonance frequency of a fixed split-ring resonator array, by way of adding material near the split-ring elements. Applying drops of a silicon-nanospheres/ethanol solution to the surface of the sample decreases the magnetic resonance frequency of the split-ring array in incremental steps of 0.03THz. This fine tuning is done post fabrication and is demonstrated to be reversible. The exhibited sensitivity of the split-ring resonance frequency to the presence of silicon nanospheres also suggests further application possibilities as a sensor device.

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Understanding the near-field electromagnetic interactions that produce optical orbital angular momentum (OAM) is crucial for integrating twisted light into nanotechnology. Here, we examine the cathodoluminescence (CL) of plasmonic vortices carrying OAM generated in spiral nanostructures. The nanospiral geometry defines a photonic local density of states that is sampled by the electron probe in a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), thus accessing the optical response of the plasmonic vortex with high spatial and spectral resolution. We map the full spectral dispersion of the plasmonic vortex in spiral structures designed to yield increasing topological charge. Additionally, we fabricate nested nanospirals and demonstrate that OAM from one nanospiral can be coupled to the nested nanospiral, resulting in enhanced luminescence in concentric spirals of like handedness with respect to concentric spirals of opposite handedness. The results illustrate the potential for generating and coupling plasmonic vortices in chiral nanostructures for sensitive detection and manipulation of optical OAM.