Out-of-plane reflection and refraction of light by anisotropic optical antenna metasurfaces with phase discontinuities

Experiments on ultrathin anisotropic arrays of subwavelength optical antennas display out-of-plane refraction. A powerful three-dimensional (3D) extension of the recently demonstrated generalized laws of refraction and reflection shows that the interface imparts a tangential wavevector to the incident light leading to anomalous beams, which in general are noncoplanar with the incident beam. The refracted beam direction can be controlled by varying the angle between the plane of incidence and the antenna array.     

Plasmon hybridization in stacked double crescents arrays fabricated by colloidal lithography

We apply colloidal lithography to construct stacked nanocrescent dimer structures with an exact vertical alignment and a separation distance of approximately 10 nm. Highly ordered, large arrays of these nanostructures are accessible using nonclose-packed colloidal monolayers as masks. Spatially separated nanocrescent dimers are obtained by application of spatially distributed colloids. The polarization dependent optical properties of the nanostructures are investigated in detail and compared to single crescents. The close proximity of the nanocrescents leads to a coupling process that gives rise to new optical resonances which can be described as linear superpositions of the individual crescents' plasmonic modes. We apply a plasmon hybridization model to explain the spectral differences of all polarization dependent resonances and use geometric arguments to explain the respective shifts of the resonances. Theoretical calculations are performed to support the hybridization model and extend it to higher order resonances not resolved experimentally.     

Plasmon hybridization reveals the interaction between individual colloidal gold nanoparticles confined in an optical potential well

The understanding of interaction forces between nanoparticles in colloidal suspension is central to a wide range of novel applications and processes in science and industry. However, few methods are available for actual characterization of such forces at the single particle level. Here we demonstrate the first measurements of colloidal interactions between two individual diffusing nanoparticles using a colorimetric assay based on plasmon hybridization, that is, strong near-field coupling between localized surface plasmon resonances. The measurements are possible because individual gold nanoparticle pairs can be loosely confined in an optical potential well created by a laser tweezers. We quantify the degree of plasmon hybridization for a large number of individual particle pairs as a function of increasing salt concentration. The data reveal a considerable heterogeneity at the single particle level but the estimated average surface separations are in excellent agreements with predictions based on the classical theory of Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey, and Overbeek.     

Large-area flexible nanostripe electrodes featuring plasmon hybridization engineering

Multifunctional flexible Au electrodes based on one-dimensional(1D)arrays of plasmonic gratings are nanofabricated over large areas with an engineered variant of laser interference lithography optimized for low-cost transparent templates.Au nanostripe(NS)arrays achieve sheet resistance in the order of 20 Ohm/square on large areas(～cm²)and are characterized by a strong and dichroic plasmonic response which can be easily tuned across the visible(VIS)to near-infrared(NIR)spectral range by tailoring their cross-sectional morphology.Stacking vertically a second nanostripe,separated by a nanometer scale dielectric gap,we form near-field coupled Au/SiO₂/Au dimers which feature hybridization of their localized plasmon resonances,strong local field-enhancements and a redshift of the resonance towards the NIR range.The possibility to combine excellent transport properties and optical transparency on the same plasmonic metasurface template is appealing in applications where low-energy photon management is mandatory like e.g.,in plasmon enhanced spectroscopies or in photon harvesting for ultrathin photovoltaic devices.The remarkable lateral order of the plasmonic NS gratings provides an additional degree of freedom for tailoring the optical response of the multifunctional electrodes via the excitation of surface lattice resonances,a Fano-like coupling between the broad localised plasmonic resonances and the collective sharp Rayleigh modes.     

Nonlinear metasurfaces: a paradigm shift in nonlinear optics

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Active control of highly efficient third-harmonic generation in ultrathin nonlinear metasurfaces

Active electric control of highly efficient third harmonic generation was realized in an ultrathin nonlinear metasurface by using a nanocomposite consisting of gold nanoparticles dispersed in polycrystalline strontium titanate as the electro-optic material. Owing to the nonlinearity enhancement associated with the slow light effect, quantum confinement effect, and field-reinforcement, a high conversion efficiency of 3 × 10⁻⁵ was obtained, which is two orders of magnitude larger than previously reported efficiencies at comparable pump intensities. A modulation of 12% in the intensity of the third harmonic generation and a 30-nm shift in the transparency window center were achieved by varying the applied voltage from −30 V to zero. Our results pave the way toward the realization of multi-functional integrated photonic devices and chips based on metasurfaces.     

Efficient tunability and circuit model of nested-U nanoresonators in optical metasurfaces

Tunable metasurfaces can be employed to physically or mechanically engineer and control electromagnetic wave properties like reflection and transmission and their associated spectral characteristics like resonance frequency. Here, we propose highly tunable and sensitive metasurfaces composed of an array of a nested double U-shaped (NDU) nanoresonators on elastic polydimethylsiloxane substrate, operating in infrared region. The mechanical deformation varies the spaces between the coupled resonator elements which in turn leads to corresponding variations in the equivalent capacitance and inductance between the U-shaped elements causing efficient tunability. In addition to the higher signal strengths, it is also reported that the resonant frequency of the proposed metasurface exhibits substantial spectral shift. The observed remarkable trends are adequately verified by the developed equivalent circuit model for the proposed NDU-structure.     

High-Curie-temperature ferromagnetism in self-organized Ge1-xMnx nanocolumns

The emerging field of spintronics would be dramatically boosted if room-temperature ferromagnetism could be added to semiconductor nanostructures that are compatible with silicon technology. Here, we report a high-TC (>400K) ferromagnetic phase of (Ge,Mn) epitaxial layer. The manganese content is 6%, and careful structural and chemical analyses show that the Mn distribution is strongly inhomogeneous: we observe eutectoid growth of well-defined Mn-rich nanocolumns surrounded by a Mn-poor matrix. The average diameter of these nanocolumns is 3nm and their spacing is 10nm. Their composition is close to Ge(2)Mn, which corresponds to an unknown germanium-rich phase, and they have a uniaxially elongated diamond structure. Their Curie temperature is higher than 400K. Magnetotransport reveals a pronounced anomalous Hall effect up to room temperature. A giant positive magnetoresistance is measured from 7,000% at 30K to 200% at 300K and 9T, with no evidence of saturation.     

Ordered, self-organized cobalt nanodots in Co-diamond-like carbon thin films

A formation process for ordered, self-organized cobalt (Co) nanodots in diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin films deposited by magnetron sputtering in a plasma-assisted Ar/CH4 discharge is presented. episilon-Co dots -5 nm in diameter, separated by 1-2 nm DLC boundaries and arranged in hexagonal arrays were produced on Si substrates. The formation mechanism relies on a self-organization process which is based on surface energy minimization and local magnetic field interaction. The proposed plasma-assisted process presents a controlled and cost-effective bottom-up nanofabrication approach for the production of well-ordered magnetic nanodots based on self-organization.     

Plasmon absorption of gold nanoparticles in linear polymer solutions

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are stable in a number of linear polymer solutions, including poly(vinyl alcohol), poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone), hydroxyethyl cellulose, and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). Of these, PEO, with a wide range of molecular mass (from 0.3 to 8 MDa), is particularly attractive for exploring the interaction between the GNPs and polymer molecules. We have found that the colors of the GNPs are significantly different in PEO solutions at concentrations below and above entanglement threshold concentration (Phi*), which allows one to determine Phi* values for different sizes of PEO from the inflection points of the plots of the absorbance at 600 nm against the concentration of PEO. The Phi* values are close to those obtained by the viscosity measurements, showing the usefulness of this simple method. Transmission electron microscopy images have confirmed that the change in the absorbance is due to the aggregation and/or agglomeration of the GNPs in PEO solutions.     

Plasmon bleaching dynamics in colloidal gold-iron oxide nanocrystal heterodimers

Colloidal nanocrystal heterodimers composed of a plasmonic and a magnetic domain have been widely studied as potential materials for various applications in nanomedicine, biology, and photocatalysis. One of the most popular nanocrystal heterodimers is represented by a structure made of a Au domain and a iron oxide domain joined together. Understanding the nature of the interface between the two domains in such type of dimer and how this influences the energy relaxation processes is a key issue. Here, we present the first broad-band transient absorption study on gold/iron oxide nanocrystal heterodimers that explains how the energy relaxation is affected by the presence of such interface. We found faster electron-electron and electron-phonon relaxation times for the gold "nested" in the iron oxide domain in the heterodimers with respect to gold "only" nanocrystals, that is, free-standing gold nanocrystals in solution. We relate this effect to the decreased electron screening caused by spill-out of the gold electron distribution at gold/iron oxide interface.     

Kinetic versus strain formation of self-organized nanoholes in manganite thin films

We report on the formation of self-organized rows of pits in highly epitaxial La(2/3)Sr(1/3)MnO(3) thin films on top of substrates having different structural misfits by rf magnetron sputtering. The best-defined pits form in coherently grown films at a low misfit irrespective of its nature (tensile or compressive stress). It is also found that the pit rows align along the step edges, which indicates in-phase growth instability with the step edges, irrespective of the misfit. However, out-of-phase pit rows are also found when the terrace width increases due to a decrease of the miscut angle. Pit's volume scales inversely with the lattice mismatch suggesting that structural strain alone does not favor the formation of pits. The formation of pits is analyzed within a thermodynamic model.     

Path-independent integrals in anisotropic media

The concept proposed by the author for the construction of path-independent integrals (PI Is) in isotropic media is generalized for the construction of PIIs in anisotropic plane bodies weakened by a number of collinear cracks. The PIIs are classified into three classes satisfying well-defined restrictions. Using this classification about fifty general forms of PIIs are given, from which an infinity of new PI Is can be constructed. In many cases the form of the proposed integrals is simpler than the already known ones. This will facilitate their use in conjunction with finite element or experimental methods.A number of illustrative examples is also given.

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Résum'e L'auteur a proposé un concept pour construire des intégrals indépendantes du parcours dans les milieux isotropes. Il généralise à présent son concept pour construire ces intégrales dans le cas des corps plans anisotropes affaiblis par la présence d'un grand nombre de fissures colinéaires. Ces intégrales sont classées suivant trois catégories correspondant à des restrictions bien définies. En utilisant cette classification, près de cinquante formes générales d'intégrales indépendantes du parcours sont fournies, et, à partir d'elles, une infinité d'intégrales peuvent être construites. Dans de nombreux cas, la forme des intégrales proposées est plus simple que celles déjà connues. Ceci va faciliter leur utilisation, en association avec la méthode des éléments finis ou des methodes experimentales.On donne également plusieurs exemples d'application.

     

Mixed-mode K-calculations in anisotropic materials

The crack tip stress singularities for anisotropic materials are derived using the finite difference method and they are compared to other derivations. Subsequently, these asymptotic fields are implemented into a local stress method, enabling the determination of the mixed-mode stress intensity factor distribution along an arbitrary crack in an anisotropic material. Comparison with the interaction integral method shows that the local method yields excellent results and exhibits a better robustness with respect to irregular meshes.     

Crack-tip fields in anisotropic shells

Asymptotic crack-tip fields including the effect of transverse shear deformation in an anisotropic shell are presented. The material anisotropy is defined here as a monoclinic material with a plane symmetry at x ₃=0. In general, the shell geometry near the local crack tip region can be considered as a shallow shell. Based on Reissner shallow shell theory, an asymptotic analysis is conducted in this local area. It can be verified that, up to the second order of the crack tip fields in anisotropic shells, the governing equations for bending, transverse shear and membrane deformation are mutually uncoupled. The forms of the solution for the first two terms are identical to those given by respectively the plane stress deformation and the antiplane deformation of anisotropic elasticity. Thus Stroh formalism can be used to characterize the crack tip fields in shells up to the second term and the energy release rate can be expressed in a very compact form in terms of stress intensity factors and Barnett–Lothe tensor L. The first two order terms of the crack-tip stress and displacement fields are derived. Several methods are proposed to determine the stress intensity factors and `T-stresses'. Three numerical examples of two circular cylindrical panels and a circular cylinder under symmetrical loading have demonstrated the validity of the approach.     

Cracks in anisotropic elastic media

A numerical method for 3D problems of cracks in anisotropic media is developed, and this is based on the variational approach to the crack opening problem. Properties of the pseudodifferential operator of the crack equilibrium problem are considered. Numerical examples are also presented.     

Vortices in anisotropic type-II superconductors

We present a generalized variational model of an isolated vortex, valid in the anisotropic case when the external magnetic field is along one of the symmetry directions. We discuss the effects of the field anisotropy on the core and magnetic pinning of individual vortices.