Dielectric spheres with maximum forward scattering and zero backscattering: A search for their material composition

TL;DR

This paper investigates dielectric spheres with optimized refractive index to achieve maximum forward scattering and zero backscattering, which are promising for enhancing photonic device performance.

Contribution

It identifies the optimal refractive index for lossless dielectric spheres to maximize forward scattering while eliminating backscattering, using Mie theory.

Findings

Optimal refractive index found at m=2.47

Maximum forward scattering achieved without backscattering

Analysis based on Mie theory for lossless dielectric spheres

Abstract

Nanoparticles exhibiting zero backscattering but a large scattering cross section in the forward direction should play a key role as light diffracting elements in photonic devices like solar cells. Using Mie theory we address lossless dielectric spheres that were recently reported to possess a magnetodielectric response to the illuminating wave, and analyze their scattering cross section together with their zero-backwards scattering conditions. We show that there is an optimum particle refractive index (m = 2.47), which yields maximum forward scattering without backwards scattering of light.