Demonstration of zero optical backscattering from single nanoparticles

TL;DR

This paper experimentally demonstrates zero optical backscattering from single GaAs nanoparticles at specific wavelengths, confirming theoretical predictions and opening new avenues for metamaterials and optical antenna design.

Contribution

First experimental verification of zero backscattering from nanoparticles at optical frequencies, validating theoretical models and showcasing potential applications.

Findings

Backscattering suppressed at ~725 nm

Experimental results agree with discrete dipole approximation calculations

Zero backscattering nanoparticles enable new metamaterial functionalities

Abstract

We present the first experimental demonstration of zero backscattering from nanoparticles at op- tical frequencies as originally discussed by Kerker et. al. [M. Kerker, D. Wang, and C. Giles, J. Opt. Soc. A 73, 765 (1983)]. GaAs pillars were fabricated on a fused silica substrate and the spectrum of the backscattered radiation was measured in the wavelength range 600-1000 nm. Suppression of backscattering occurred at ~725 nm, agreeing with calculations based on the discrete dipole approximation. Particles with zero backscattering provide new functionality for metamaterials and optical antennas.