Optical contrast analysis and reflectance optimization of photonic clusters: an analytical approach

Abstract

The reflectance of photonic clusters is an important characteristic for nanophotonic applications, especially when it is needed to hide the cluster or to make it extremely visible. Currently, there are a lack of methods clearly describing how to design a photonic cluster with a predefined reflectance. In this paper two analytical methods are proposed for designing clusters with predefined scattering. The first method is used for the optical contrast analysis of the cluster and for reflectance optimization by modifying the optical contrast of the cluster. This method combines linear sampling and local perturbation methods. The second method is used to modify the incident field for the optimization of the cluster’s scattering and is based on the local perturbation method. The proposed methods are suitable for the clusters which can be considered as composed of particles smaller than the incident wavelength.