Resonant lattice Kerker effect in metasurfaces with electric and magnetic optical responses (1705.05533v1)

Abstract: To achieve efficient light control at subwavelength dimensions, plasmonic and all-dielectric nanoparticles have been utilized both as a single element as well as in the arrays. Here we study 2D periodic nanoparticle arrays (metasurfaces) that support lattice resonances near the Rayleigh anomaly due to the electric dipole (ED) and magnetic dipole (MD) resonant coupling between the nanoparticles. Silicon and core-shell particles are considered. We demonstrate for the first time that, choosing of lattice periods independently in each mutual-perpendicular direction, it is possible to achieve a full overlap between the ED-lattice resonance and MD resonances of nanoparticles in certain spectral range and to realize the resonant lattice Kerker effect (resonant suppression of the scattering or reflection). At the effect conditions, the strong suppression of light reflectance in the structure is appeared due to destructive interference between electromagnetic waves scattered by ED and MD moments of every nanoparticle in the backward direction with respect to the incident light wave. Influence of the array size on the revealed reflectance and transmittance behavior is discussed. The resonant lattice Kerker effect based on the overlap of both ED and MD lattice resonances is also demonstrated.

• The paper shows that adjusting the lattice periods in rectangular nanoparticle arrays enables the overlap of electric and magnetic dipole resonances for near-zero reflection.
• It employs FEM simulations and coupled-dipole equations to validate a mechanism that enhances forward light scattering while minimizing reflectance.
• The findings advance metasurface design for applications like photovoltaics and optical sensing by exploiting destructive interference for efficient light control.

Resonant Lattice Kerker Effect in Metasurfaces with Electric and Magnetic Optical Responses

The paper "Resonant lattice Kerker effect in metasurfaces with electric and magnetic optical responses" by Andrey B. Evlyukhin and Viktoriia E. Babicheva explores the phenomenon of light control at subwavelength dimensions through the use of 2D periodic nanoparticle arrays, or metasurfaces, comprised of silicon and core-shell particles. The focus of this paper is the interplay between electric dipole (ED) and magnetic dipole (MD) resonances to achieve a significant suppression in scattering or reflection of light, an effect termed the resonant lattice Kerker effect.

The core finding of the paper is that by manipulating the lattice periods of these structures independently in mutually perpendicular directions, one can achieve an overlap of ED and MD resonances in a specific spectral range, leading to an effective suppression of light reflectance. This is attributed to the destructive interference between the electromagnetic waves scattered by the ED and MD moments of each nanoparticle, a mechanism that has practical implications for creating efficient, ultra-thin, functional optical elements.

Detailed Insights

The paper systematically investigates:

• The ability to independently tune the ED and MD lattice resonance positions through period adjustments in rectangular arrays of nanoparticles.
• The conditions under which the overlap of ED-LR and MD-LR results in near-zero reflection, characterizing the resonant lattice Kerker effect. This achievement is highly relevant to applications where controlling reflectance is critical, such as in the development of photovoltaics and ultra-thin optical components.

Simulations reveal that this overlap and interaction can be meticulously controlled to optimize forward light scattering, enhancing the potential use of these metasurfaces in achieving desired optical properties. The paper employs both finite-element method (FEM) simulations and the coupled-dipole equations (CDEs) approach to validate the hypothesis. Furthermore, the paper explores the impact of array size, confirming that finite-sized arrays can still exhibit significant forward-to-backward (F/B) scattering ratios, thereby extending the practical applicability of these findings to real-world metasurface designs.

Theoretical and Practical Implications

The results presented underline a significant advancement in understanding and exploiting the lattice Kerker effect, which is conceptually linked to the traditional Kerker effect observed in single nanoparticles. Through spectral overlap of induced ED and MD resonances, the paper demonstrates that metasurfaces can be tailored for efficient light manipulation. Such control over light interaction at the subwavelength scale could transform numerous optical technologies, including light harvesting, sensing, and filtering applications.

In theory, the findings open up new avenues for exploration in advanced nanoparticle designs where resonances are not limited to dipolar interactions, suggesting extensions to quadrupole resonances or beyond. These explorations could further refine the spectrum of achievable optical properties, widening the scope of metasurface applications.

Future Outlook

Looking forward, the research suggests rich opportunities in extending these concepts to complex-shaped nanoparticles, such as disks or cones, which could support resonances that potentially allow for even broader spectral tunability. Additionally, the investigation of core-shell configurations and their implications on resonance tuning could lead to more versatile metasurface designs that operate efficiently across different spectral ranges, including the near-infrared, where non-radiative losses are minimal.

Overall, the paper by Evlyukhin and Babicheva adds a substantial contribution to the field of nanophotonics, presenting a robust framework for utilizing resonant interactions at the nanoscale—empowering future advancements in the design and functionality of metasurfaces.