A superlens for the deep ultraviolet

A superlens based on a single aluminum layer operating at deep ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths is investigated both, theoretically and experimentally. Using a wavelength of 157 nm double slits with a center-to-center separation of only 70 nm were experimentally resolved and simulations indicate a possible resolution down to 29 nm with experimentally feasible arrangements. The results demonstrate the significance of aluminum as plasmonic material for the deep UV. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3226101]