Nonstationary photonic jet from dielectric microsphere

TL;DR

This paper investigates the transient behavior and formation mechanisms of nonstationary photonic jets generated by dielectric microspheres under femtosecond laser illumination, highlighting the influence of resonances on jet dynamics.

Contribution

It provides a detailed theoretical analysis of the temporal evolution and morphology-dependent resonances in nonstationary photonic jets from dielectric microspheres.

Findings

Identification of non-resonant and resonant phases in jet evolution

Analysis of how morphology-dependent resonances affect jet formation

Characterization of the temporal dynamics of jet dimensions and intensity

Abstract

A photonic jet commonly denotes the specific spatially localized region in the near-field forward scattering of a light wave at a dielectric micron-sized particle. We present the detailed calculations of the transient response of an airborne silica microsphere illuminated by a femtosecond laser pulse. The spatial area constituting the photonic jet is theoretically investigated and the temporal dynamics of jet dimensions as well as of jet peak intensity is analyzed. The role of morphology-dependent resonances in jet formation is highlighted. The evolution scenario of a nonstationary photonic jet generally consists of the non-resonant and resonant temporal phases. In every phase, the photonic jet can change its spatial form and intensity.