R. Gómez-Medina

Bio: R. Gómez-Medina is an academic researcher from Spanish National Research Council. The author has contributed to research in topics: Scattering & Dipole. The author has an hindex of 17, co-authored 26 publications receiving 2701 citations. Previous affiliations of R. Gómez-Medina include École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne & Autonomous University of Madrid.

Strong magnetic response of submicron Silicon particles in the infrared

Abstract: High-permittivity dielectric particles with resonant magnetic properties are being explored as constitutive elements of new metamaterials and devices. Magnetic properties of low-loss dielectric nanoparticles in the visible or infrared are not expected due to intrinsic low refractive index of optical media in these regimes. Here we analyze the dipolar electric and magnetic response of lossless dielectric spheres made of moderate permittivity materials. For low material refractive index (≲ 3) there are no sharp resonances due to strong overlapping between different multipole contributions. However, we find that Silicon particles with index of refraction ∼ 3.5 and radius ∼ 200nm present strong electric and magnetic dipolar resonances in telecom and near-infrared frequencies, (i.e. at wavelengths ≈ 1.2 – 2μm) without spectral overlap with quadrupolar and higher order resonances. The light scattered by these Si particles can then be perfectly described by dipolar electric and magnetic fields.

Magnetic and electric coherence in forward- and back-scattered electromagnetic waves by a single dielectric subwavelength sphere

Abstract: Magnetodielectric small spheres present unusual electromagnetic scattering features, theoretically predicted a few decades ago. However, achieving such behaviour has remained elusive, due to the non-magnetic character of natural optical materials or the difficulty in obtaining low-loss highly permeable magnetic materials in the gigahertz regime. Here we present unambiguous experimental evidence that a single low-loss dielectric subwavelength sphere of moderate refractive index (n=4 like some semiconductors at near-infrared) radiates fields identical to those from equal amplitude crossed electric and magnetic dipoles, and indistinguishable from those of ideal magnetodielectric spheres. The measured scattering radiation patterns and degree of linear polarization (3–9 GHz/33–100 mm range) show that, by appropriately tuning the a/λ ratio, zero-backward (‘Huygens’ source) or almost zero-forward (‘Huygens’ reflector) radiated power can be obtained. These Kerker scattering conditions only depend on a/λ. Our results open new technological challenges from nano- and micro-photonics to science and engineering of antennas, metamaterials and electromagnetic devices. The absence of forward or backward scattered radiation by magnetodielectric spheres was predicted decades ago, yet direct measurements have remained elusive. Geffrin et al. present unambiguous evidence of such scattering effects in the gigahertz range for a sub-wavelength dielectric sphere.

Optical forces on small magnetodielectric particles

Abstract: We present a study of the optical force on a small particle with both electric and magnetic response, immersed in an arbitrary non-absorbing medium, due to a generic incident electromagnetic field. Expressions for the gradient force, radiation pressure and curl components are obtained for the force due to both the electric and magnetic dipoles excited in the particle. In particular, for the magnetic force we tentatively introduce the concept of curl of the spin angular momentum density of the magnetic field, also expressed in terms of 3D generalizations of the Stokes parameters. From the formal analogy between the conservation of momentum and the optical theorem, we discuss the origin and significance of the self-interaction force between both dipoles; this is done in connection with that of the angular distribution of scattered light and of the extinction cross section.

Angle-suppressed scattering and optical forces on submicrometer dielectric particles.

Abstract: We show that submicrometer silicon spheres, whose polarizabilities are completely given by their two first Mie coefficients, are an excellent laboratory to test effects of both angle-suppressed and resonant differential scattering cross sections. Specifically, outstanding scattering angular distributions, with zero forward- or backward-scattered intensity, (i.e., the so-called Kerker conditions), previously discussed for hypothetical magnetodielectric particles, are now observed for those Si objects in the near infrared. Interesting new consequences for the corresponding optical forces are derived from the interplay, both in and out of resonance, between the electric- and magnetic-induced dipoles.

Electric and magnetic dipolar response of germanium nanospheres: interference effects, scattering anisotropy, and optical forces

Abstract: Thecoherentcombinationofelectricandmagneticresponsesisthebasisoftheelectro- magnetic behavior of new engineered metamaterials. The basic constituents of their meta-atoms usually have metallic character and consequently high absorption losses. Based on standard "Mie" scattering theory, we found that there is a wide window in the near-infrared (wavelengths 1t o 3μm), where light scattering by lossless submicrometer Ge spherical particles is fully described by their induced electric and magnetic dipoles. The interference between electric and magneticdipolarfieldsisshowntoleadtoanisotropicangulardistributionsofscatteredintensity, including zero backward and almost zero forward scattered intensities at specific wavelengths, which until recently was theoretically established only for hypothetically postulated magnetodi- electric spheres. Although the scattering cross section at zero backward or forward scattering is exactly the same, radiation pressure forces are a factor of 3 higher in the zero forward condition.

Optically resonant dielectric nanostructures

Abstract: The resonant modes of plasmonic nanoparticle structures made of gold or silver endow them with an ability to manipulate light at the nanoscale. However, owing to the high light losses caused by metals at optical wavelengths, only a small fraction of plasmonics applications have been realized. Kuznetsov et al. review how high-index dielectric nanoparticles can offer a substitute for these metals, providing a highly flexible and low-loss route to the manipulation of light at the nanoscale. Science , this issue p. [10.1126/science.aag2472][1] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aag2472

Dielectric metasurfaces for complete control of phase and polarization with subwavelength spatial resolution and high transmission

Abstract: Metasurfaces are planar structures that locally modify the polarization, phase and amplitude of light in reflection or transmission, thus enabling lithographically patterned flat optical components with functionalities controlled by design. Transmissive metasurfaces are especially important, as most optical systems used in practice operate in transmission. Several types of transmissive metasurface have been realized, but with either low transmission efficiencies or limited control over polarization and phase. Here, we show a metasurface platform based on high-contrast dielectric elliptical nanoposts that provides complete control of polarization and phase with subwavelength spatial resolution and an experimentally measured efficiency ranging from 72% to 97%, depending on the exact design. Such complete control enables the realization of most free-space transmissive optical elements such as lenses, phase plates, wave plates, polarizers, beamsplitters, as well as polarization-switchable phase holograms and arbitrary vector beam generators using the same metamaterial platform.

A review of metasurfaces: physics and applications.

Abstract: Metamaterials are composed of periodic subwavelength metal/dielectric structures that resonantly couple to the electric and/or magnetic components of the incident electromagnetic fields, exhibiting properties that are not found in nature. This class of micro- and nano-structured artificial media have attracted great interest during the past 15 years and yielded ground-breaking electromagnetic and photonic phenomena. However, the high losses and strong dispersion associated with the resonant responses and the use of metallic structures, as well as the difficulty in fabricating the micro- and nanoscale 3D structures, have hindered practical applications of metamaterials. Planar metamaterials with subwavelength thickness, or metasurfaces, consisting of single-layer or few-layer stacks of planar structures, can be readily fabricated using lithography and nanoprinting methods, and the ultrathin thickness in the wave propagation direction can greatly suppress the undesirable losses. Metasurfaces enable a spatially varying optical response (e.g. scattering amplitude, phase, and polarization), mold optical wavefronts into shapes that can be designed at will, and facilitate the integration of functional materials to accomplish active control and greatly enhanced nonlinear response. This paper reviews recent progress in the physics of metasurfaces operating at wavelengths ranging from microwave to visible. We provide an overview of key metasurface concepts such as anomalous reflection and refraction, and introduce metasurfaces based on the Pancharatnam-Berry phase and Huygens' metasurfaces, as well as their use in wavefront shaping and beam forming applications, followed by a discussion of polarization conversion in few-layer metasurfaces and their related properties. An overview of dielectric metasurfaces reveals their ability to realize unique functionalities coupled with Mie resonances and their low ohmic losses. We also describe metasurfaces for wave guidance and radiation control, as well as active and nonlinear metasurfaces. Finally, we conclude by providing our opinions of opportunities and challenges in this rapidly developing research field.

Plasmonic nanoantennas: fundamentals and their use in controlling the radiative properties of nanoemitters.

Abstract: When light interacts with a metal nanoparticle (NP), its conduction electrons can be driven by the incident electric field in collective oscillations known as localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs). These give rise to a drastic alteration of the incident radiation pattern and to striking effects such as the subwavelength localization of electromagnetic (EM) energy, the formation of high intensity hot spots at the NP surface, or the directional scattering of light out of the structure. LSPRs can also couple to the EM fields emitted by molecules, atoms, or quantum dots placed in the vicinity of the NP, leading in turn to a strong modification of the radiative and nonradiative properties of the emitter. Since LSPRs enable an efficient transfer of EM energy from the near to the far-field of metal NPs and vice versa, we can consider plasmonic nanostructures as nanoantennas, because they operate in a similar way to radio antennas but at higher frequencies. Typically, plasmonic nanoantennas at optical frequencies are made of gold and silver due to their goodmetallic properties and low absorption. Controlling and guiding light has been one of science’s most influential achievements. It affects everyday life in many ways, such as the development of telescopes, microscopes, spectrometers, and optical fibers, to name but a few. These examples exploit the wave nature of light and are based on the reflection, refraction and diffraction of light by optical elements such as mirrors, lenses or gratings. However, the wave nature of light limits the resolution to which an object can be imaged, as well as the size of the transverse cross section of efficient guiding structures to the wavelength dimension. Plasmonic resonances in nanoantennas overcome these constraints, allowing unprecedented control of light-matter interactions within subwavelength volumes (i.e., within the nanoscale at optical frequencies). Such properties have attracted much interest lately, due to the implications they have both in fundamental research and in technological applications. Metal NPs have been used since antiquity. Due to their strong scattering properties in the visible range, they show attractive colors. One of their first applications, dating back to the Roman Empire more than 2000 years ago, was as a colorant for clothing. In art, they were used to stain window glass and ceramics. Obviously, it was not known then that the colorants being used contained metal NPs or that the spectacular colors were due to the excitation of LSPRs. The first reported intentional production of metal NPs dates from 1857, when Faraday synthesized gold colloids. However, at the time there was not much interest in understanding the physics behind the optical properties of colloids due to the impossibility of synthesizing NPs with well-controlled shapes and sizes, as well as the lack of accurate detection techniques. The first theoretical work on the scattering of light by particles smaller than the incident wavelength was carried out by Lord Rayleigh at the end of the 19th century. He analyzed the diffusion of light by diluted gases, and his theory explained physical phenomena such as the blueness of the sky, the redness of the sunset, or the yellow color of the sun. Mie took the next step forward by deriving an analytical solution to Maxwell’s equations to describe the interaction of light with spheres of arbitrary radius and composition. Subsequently, based on the results of Rayleigh and Mie, Gans considered elliptical geometries. He demonstrated that the optical response of metal NPs is

Optical excitations in electron microscopy

Abstract: This review discusses how low-energy, valence excitations created by swift electrons can render information on the optical response of structured materials with unmatched spatial resolution. Electron microscopes are capable of focusing electron beams on sub-nanometer spots and probing the target response either by analyzing electron energy losses or by detecting emitted radiation. Theoretical frameworks suited to calculate the probability of energy loss and light emission (cathodoluminescence) are revisited and compared with experimental results. More precisely, a quantum-mechanical description of the interaction between the electrons and the sample is discussed, followed by a powerful classical dielectric approach that can be in practice applied to more complex systems. We assess the conditions under which classical and quantum-mechanical formulations are equivalent. The excitation of collective modes such as plasmons is studied in bulk materials, planar surfaces, and nanoparticles. Light emission induced by the electrons is shown to constitute an excellent probe of plasmons, combining sub-nanometer resolution in the position of the electron beam with nanometer resolution in the emitted wavelength. Both electron energy-loss and cathodoluminescence spectroscopies performed in a scanning mode of operation yield snap shots of plasmon modes in nanostructures with fine spatial detail as compared to other existing imaging techniques, thus providing an ideal tool for nanophotonics studies.