Subwavelength Resonators Research Articles

Non-locality and single meta-atom spectroscopy in THz Landau polaritons

We will discuss, theoretically and experimentally, the existence of a limit to the possibility of arbitrarily increasing electromagnetic confinement in polaritonic systems, where strongly sub-wavelength fields can excite a continuum of high-momenta propagative magnetoplasmons. This leads to peculiar nonlocal polaritonic effects, as certain polaritonic features disappear and the system enters in the regime of discrete-to-continuum strong coupling. We will as well present experiments reporting spectroscopy of a single, ultrastrongly coupled, highly subwavelength resonator operating at 300 GHz.

On-demand terahertz surface wave generation with microelectromechanical-system-based metasurface

During the past decade, metasurfaces have shown great potential to complement standard optics, providing novel pathways to control the phase, amplitude, and polarization of electromagnetic waves utilizing arrays of subwavelength resonators. We present dynamic surface wave (SW) switching at terahertz frequencies utilizing a mechanically reconfigurable metasurface. Our metasurface is based on a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) consisting of an array of micro-cantilever structures, enabling dynamic tuning between a plane wave (PW) and a SW for normal incidence terahertz radiation. This is realized using line-by-line voltage control of the cantilever displacements to achieve full-span ( 2 π ) phase control. Full-wave electromagnetic simulations and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy agree with coupled mode theory, which was employed to design the metasurface device. A conversion efficiency of nearly 60% has been achieved upon switching between the PW and SW configurations. Moreover, a nearly 100 GHz working bandwidth is demonstrated. The MEMS-based control modality we demonstrate can be used for numerous applications, including but not limited to terahertz multifunctional metasurface devices for spatial light modulation, dynamic beam steering, focusing, and beam combining, which are crucial for future “beyond 5G” communication systems.

High-Q Localized States in Finite Arrays of Subwavelength Resonators

We introduce a novel physical mechanism for achieving giant quality factors ($Q$-factors) in finite-length periodic arrays of subwavelength optical resonators. The underlying physics is based on interference between the band-edge mode and another standing mode in the array, and the formation of spatially localized states with dramatically suppressed radiative losses. We demonstrate this concept for an array of $N$ dipoles with simultaneous cancellation of multipoles up to $N$-th order and the $Q$ factor growing as $Q \propto N^{\alpha}$, where $\alpha \gtrsim 6.88$. Based on this finding, we propose a realistic array of Mie-resonant nanoparticles ($N \lesssim 29$) with a dramatic enhancement of the Purcell factor (up to $\sim $3400) achieved by tuning of the array parameters.

Ultrasensitive terahertz sensing with broadside coupled polarization insensitive graphene metamaterial cavities

The ubiquitous property of metamaterials to confine energy at deep-subwavelength scale paves the way to leverage strong light (or terahertz)-matter interactions towards the development of efficient, state-of-the-art sensing technologies at the terahertz (THz) frequencies. In two-dimensional active metamaterials, for instance, graphene metasurfaces; THz-matter interactions are largely governed by the near-field coupling, where strong field confinement is predominantly achieved within very small areas (compared to total device area), viz, in split gaps, narrow apertures etc. Here, we demonstrate a polarization insensitive broadside coupling mechanism in graphene- metamaterials, which is beneficial for realization of miniaturized, compact, ultra-sensitive THz thin film sensors with substantially large effective areas for strong THz-matter interaction. Proposed structure entails ultrathin layer of dielectric spacer (cavity) sandwiched between two “plus” shaped sub-wavelength graphene resonators. In order to investigate the sensing capabilities, obscure materials are placed in ultrathin cavity region to detect its refractive indices. A record high refractive index sensitivity of around 2.8 THz/RIU substantiates the utility of introducing the concept of broadside coupling in graphene metamaterials. Further, we employ the Lorentz oscillator based coupled mode theory in order to elucidate the numerical outcomes.

Bound states in the continuum and Fano resonances in subwavelength resonator arrays

When wave scattering systems are subject to certain symmetries, resonant states may decouple from the far-field continuum; they remain localized to the structure and cannot be excited by incident waves from the far field. In this work, we use layer-potential techniques to prove the existence of such states, known as bound states in the continuum, in systems of subwavelength resonators. When the symmetry is slightly broken, this resonant state can be excited from the far field. Remarkably, this may create asymmetric (Fano-type) scattering behavior where the transmission is fundamentally different for frequencies on either side of the resonant frequency. Using asymptotic analysis, we compute the scattering matrix of the system explicitly, thereby characterizing this Fano-type transmission anomaly.

Josephson Plasmon Resonance in Tl2Ba2CaCu2O8 High‐Temperature Superconductor Tunable Terahertz Metamaterials

AbstractThe Josephson plasmon resonance (JPR) offers a valuable probe to investigate the superconductivity in layered cuprate superconductors. However, the coupling between free space radiation and JPR in high‐temperature superconductor (HTS) film remains challenging because the excitation of JPR demands the c‐axis oriented electric field. The subwavelength resonators in metamaterials can enhance the localized electric field, which can be utilized to resolve this difficulty. Here, a tunable terahertz (THz) metamaterial made from Tl2Ba2CaCu2O8 (Tl‐2212) HTS film is developed. The spectral response of Tl‐2212 metamaterial has a tunable property at temperatures up to 90 K. The resonant excitation of Josephson plasmon in the metamaterial is observed. Simulation results indicate that the scattering of subwavelength resonators can provide the component of the z‐axis electric field for the resonant excitation. The coupling between JPR and resonance modes of metamaterials is observed and explained using coupled mode theory. The temperature dependence of JPR frequency shows accordance with the experimental results of the pure film. This work provides an avenue to excite the JPR and probe superconducting condensate in the layered superconductor. The development of Josephson plasmonic metamaterials may contribute to tunable and nonlinear THz devices.

Time-dependent high-contrast subwavelength resonators

In the field of metamaterials, many intriguing phenomena arise from having a structure which is periodic in space. In time-dependent structures, conceptually similar properties can arise, which nevertheless have fundamentally different physical implications. In this work, we study time-dependent systems in the context of subwavelength metamaterials. The main result is a capacitance matrix characterization of the band structure, which generalizes previous recent work on static subwavelength metamaterials. This characterization provides both theoretical insight and efficient numerical methods to compute the dispersion relationship of time-dependent structures. We exemplify this in several structures exhibiting interesting wave manipulation properties.

Subwavelength guided modes for acoustic waves in bubbly crystals with a line defect

The recent development of subwavelength photonic and phononic crystals shows the possibility of controlling wave propagation at deep subwavelength scales. Subwavelength bandgap phononic crystals are typically created using a periodic arrangement of subwavelength resonators, in our case small gas bubbles in a liquid. In this work, a waveguide is created by modifying the sizes of the bubbles along a line in a dilute two-dimensional bubbly crystal, thereby creating a line defect. Our aim is to prove that the line defect indeed acts as a waveguide; waves of certain frequencies will be localized to, and guided along, the line defect. The key result is an original formula for the frequencies of the defect modes. Moreover, these frequencies are numerically computed using the multipole method, which numerically illustrates our main results.

Membrane smart metamaterials for unidirectional wave propagation problems

Acoustic metamaterials can be realised by the periodic distribution of features that vary from rigid inclusions and discontinuous cuts to sub-wavelength resonators. The use of lightweight elements in the resonator design gave rise to membrane-type acoustic metamaterials (MAMs), which exhibit relevant attenuation on a narrow frequency range. The use of smart materials, resulting in smart MAMs, paves the way towards tunable systems that can improve the attenuation performance at different frequency ranges. This work presents a numerical and experimental investigation on the use of smart MAMs for addressing unidirectional acoustic perturbation through the combination of a prestressed membrane with shunted piezoelectric elements. A concept unit cell has been modelled using fully coupled electro-vibroacoustic finite elements and verified experimentally in an impedance tube, adapted for sound transmission loss (STL) measurements. Then, a novel acoustic metamaterial is proposed by arranging a number of the proposed unit cells along the wave propagation direction. Numerical exercises, based on the validated unit cell model, show the formation of an electroelastic attenuation band around the first open-circuit membrane mode. The smart MAM is capable of delivering large STL, not only at the membrane anti-resonance, as expected, but also at a band around the first resonance frequency, showing a promising application for an effective, lightweight acoustic barrier.

Strong couplings between magnetic quantum emitters and subwavelength all-dielectric resonators with whispering gallery modes.

Here we theoretically investigate the coherent interactions between the quantum emitters with magnetic dipole transitions and subwavelength all-dielectric resonators of whispering gallery modes (WGMs). We extend a semi-analytical method which can efficiently calculate the far-field spectrum of a general hybrid system. Then, a subwavelength sphere with refractive index around n = 3.5 is chosen as the dielectric resonator. Due to the high magnetic field enhancements of the WGMs of the sphere, strong couplings between magnetic quantum emitters and subwavelength WGMs can occur, where a clear Rabi splitting appears on the extinction spectrum of the hybrid system. The match between the relaxation times of the WGMs and emitters are important to efficiently achieve a strong enough coupling. The other parameters including the order of a WGM, the radius, the refractive index, the transition dipole moment and excitation intensity are also important factors that can affect the couplings. Our results pave the way for strong interactions between light and magnetic emitters mediated by subwavelength all-dielectric resonators.

Ultrahigh electric and magnetic near field enhancement based on high-Q whispering gallery modes in subwavelength all-dielectric resonators

Here, we show that whispering gallery modes of subwavelength dielectric resonators can exhibit ultrahigh electric and magnetic field enhancements due to their high-quality factors. The resonators are dielectric disks. The field enhancements are dependent on the height of the disk, the refractive index n and the azimuthal mode index, and they can reach ∼102 inside a subwavelength disk of n = 3.5. For a disk dimer of n = 3.5, the electric field enhancement reaches ∼103 in the small gap. The Purcell factor of an electric and magnetic dipole emitter in the dimer can reach ∼105 and ∼104, respectively.

Resonant Subwavelength and Nano-Scale Grating Structures for Biosensing Application: A Comparative Study.

Resonant-based sensors are attractive optical structures due to the easy detection of shifts in the resonance location in response to variations in the analyte refractive index (RI) in comparison to non-resonant-based sensors. In particular, due to the rapid progress of nanostructures fabrication methods, the manufacturing of subwavelength and nano-scale gratings in a large area and at a low cost has become possible. A comparative study is presented involving analysis and experimental work on several subwavelength and nanograting structures, highlighting their nano-scale features’ high potential in biosensing applications, namely: (i) Thin dielectric grating on top of thin metal film (TDGTMF), which can support the excitation of extended surface plasmons (ESPs), guided mode resonance, or leaky mode; (ii) reflecting grating for conventional ESP resonance (ESPR) and cavity modes (CMs) excitation; (iii) thick dielectric resonant subwavelength grating exhibiting guided mode resonance (GMR) without a waveguide layer. Among the unique features, we highlight the following: (a) Self-referenced operation obtained using the TDGTMF geometry; (b) multimodal operation, including ESPR, CMs, and surface-enhanced spectroscopy using reflecting nanograting; (c) phase detection as a more sensitive approach in all cases, except the case of reflecting grating where phase detection is less sensitive than intensity or wavelength detection. Additionally, intensity and phase detection modes were experimentally demonstrated using off-the-shelf grating-based optical compact discs as a low-cost sensors available for use in a large area. Several flexible designs are proposed for sensing in the visible and infrared spectral ranges based on the mentioned geometries. In addition, enhanced penetration depth is also proposed for sensing large entities such as cells and bacteria using the TDGTMF geometry.

Resonant Subwavelength and Nano-Scale Grating Structures for Biosensing Application: A Comparative Study

Resonant Subwavelength and Nano-Scale Grating Structures for Biosensing Application: A Comparative Study

Multipolar-sensitive engineering of magnetic dipole spontaneous emission with a dielectric nanoresonator antenna

We propose an axisymmetric silicon nanoresonator with designed tapered angle well for the extraordinary enhancement of the decay rate of magnetic dipole (MD) emitters. Due to the resonant coupling of a MD emitter and the MD mode of the subwavelength resonator, the Purcell factor (PF) can easily reach 500, which is significantly higher than the PF when using a silicon nanosphere of the same size. The PF and the resonance frequency are conveniently tuned through the resonator diameter and the taper angle of the blind hole. When supported by a metallic substrate, further enhancement (>10^3) of the MD spontaneous emission is triggered by an image-induced quadrupolar high-Q mode of the nanoantenna. For the sake of comparison we include a critical analysis of the canonical problem that considers a Si spherical shell. Our results might facilitate a novel strategy for promising realizations of chip-scale nanophotonic applications.

Random versus regular square lattice experimental comparison for a subwavelength resonant metasurface

An experimental comparison is reported here between two equivalent resonant subwavelength metasurfaces made of long aluminum beams glued closely together on a thin aluminum plate. One metasurface has a random distribution of the resonator beams, and the other has a regular square lattice of pitch 1.5 cm. The random lattice shows the "resonant" behavior of a typical metasurface, with a wide full bandgap for the first A0 Lamb mode. Instead, the regular square lattice combines Fano resonance with Bragg scattering at the edges of the passband, thus creating anisotropy and a pseudo bandgap. Comparisons with numerical simulations are performed, with good agreement with the experimental data. The multimodal response of the beams is also responsible for double negativity in a narrow frequency band, and the event of a pseudo bandgap around this same flexural resonance. In addition, the scattering regimes for both the random and regular metasurfaces are characterized using coherent and incoherent signal analysis.

Design and experimental investigation of broadband quasi-perfect composite loaded sound absorber at low frequencies

We designed a composite loaded sound absorber (CLSA) composed of a sub-wavelength Helmholtz resonator and porous material, which was loaded on the side branches of a rectangular tube. Based on the transfer matrix method, an equivalent acoustic model was established to calculate the acoustic performance of the absorber. According to the equivalent acoustic model and critical coupling theory, a loaded absorber with thickness of 51 mm and perfect absorption at 156 Hz was achieved using the complex frequency plane analysis method (CFPM). The finite element simulation and acoustic experiment results verified the perfect sound absorption effect of the absorber at low frequencies. To overcome the defects of single frequency and narrow band of the perfect absorber, we designed nine different porous perfect absorber units that could achieve perfect sound absorption between 160 Hz and 312 Hz. Different numbers of porous perfect absorbers were placed on the side branch of the rectangular tube, and a broadband quasi-perfect sound absorption of more than 0.9 between 160 Hz and 285 Hz was realized by optimization. The experimental results further verified the quasi-perfect sound absorption effect of the CLSA. The theoretical model of low-frequency broadband quasi-perfect sound absorber and the design of a CLSA in this study provide a new possibility for the reduction of low or medium frequency noise in the tube.

Lasing condition for trapped modes in subwavelength-wired PT-symmetric resonators.

The ability to control the laser modes within a subwavelength resonator is of key relevance in modern optoelectronics. This work deals with the theoretical research on optical properties of a PT-symmetric nano-scaled dimer formed by two dielectric wires, one is with loss and the other with gain, wrapped with graphene sheets. We show the existence of two non-radiating trapped modes which transform into radiating modes by increasing the gain-loss parameter. Moreover, these modes reach the lasing condition for suitable values of this parameter, a fact that makes these modes achieve an ultra high quality factor that is manifested on the response of the structure when it is excited by a plane wave. Unlike other mechanisms that transform trapped modes into radiating modes, we show that the variation of gain-loss parameter in the balanced loss-gain structure here studied leads to a variation in the phase difference between induced dipole moments on each wires, without appreciable variation in the modulus of these dipole moments. We provide an approximated method that reproduces the main results provided by the rigorous calculation. Our theoretical findings reveal the possibility to develop unconventional optical devices and structures with enhanced functionality.

Subwavelength elastic topological negative refraction in ternary locally resonant phononic crystals

Negative refraction of elastic waves has attracted significant research interest due to its potential prospects in acoustic imaging, communication, and structural health monitoring. However, previous implementations based on Bragg interference suffer from lattice-scale size restrictions or defect-sensitive characteristics, hindering their application in compact subwavelength systems. Here, we propose a new design of ternary valley-Hall phononic crystals (PCs) with subwavelength topological negative refraction. By introducing the subwavelength resonators into a complex lattice similar to graphene allotrope, the valley polarized edge modes induced by locally resonant state are obtained, and the defect-immune topological negative refraction of the edge states outcoupling into free space is established. Furthermore, the total mode conversion from longitudinal to transverse waves is demonstrated by the wave mode separation and the equifrequency curves (EFCs) analysis on the negative refraction. Finally, utilizing the valley-selective excitation, a topological elastic valley filter is designed by coupling the valley-projected edge states with bulk valley polarizations. The research provides new possibilities for robust control of isolated transverse elastic waves in the deep subwavelength regime that can be employed for designing compact communication devices.

Active terahertz spin Hall effect in vanadium dioxide metasurfaces.

Insulator-to-metal transition induces large material property variations in vanadium dioxide (VO2) over a broad frequency band. VO2, therefore, has been introduced into metallic resonating structures to realize reconfigurable metadevices from microwave to optical wavelengths. Beyond enabling metal/VO2 hybrid meta-atoms, in the THz regime metallic-phase VO2 micro-structures can support strong electromagnetic resonances, offering great potential in active manipulation of THz radiation. In this paper, we show that VO2 dipole antennas can be used to realize geometric phase coded metasurfaces for wave-front shaping and polarization rotation of THz waves. Moreover, we demonstrate that the corresponding efficiency of the THz spin Hall effect is closely related to VO2's THz electrical conductivity. In light of the dispersionless nature of the geometric phase, our study indicates that metasurfaces constructed by VO2 subwavelength resonators are good candidates for active control of broadband THz radiation.

Enhanced Photoluminescence with Dielectric Nanostructures: A review

Resonant dielectric subwavelength structures made of high-refractive-index materials are an emerging powerful platform with unique advantages compared to plasmonic based nanostructures. Owing to the low ohmic losses, to their ability to localize optical near-field at nanoscale, and exciting both electric and magnetic resonant modes, high-index dielectric materials are being used in various applications. Starting from the first principles, we aim at showing how resonant dielectric nanostructures can be efficiently used to enhance photoluminescence signal from an excited molecule, and we review the most recent results present in the Literature.