Polarization singularities on high index nanoparticles

TL;DR

This paper investigates polarization singularities in high index nanoparticles, demonstrating their topological features and potential for controlling light polarization in optical applications.

Contribution

It analytically and numerically shows that high index nanoparticles can support polarization singularities and topologically protected light structures, advancing understanding of light-matter interactions.

Findings

High refractive index nanoparticles support polarization singularities.

M"obius strip polarization structures are observed around C lines.

Analytical derivation of Kerker conditions using singular optics.

Abstract

In this article, we study the emergence of polarization singularities in the scattered fields of optical resonators excited by linearly polarized plane waves. First, we prove analytically that combinations of isotropic electric and magnetic dipoles can sustain L surfaces, and C lines that propagate from the near-field to the far field. Moreover, based on these analytical results, we derive anomalous scattering Kerker conditions trough singular optics arguments. Secondly, through exact full-field calculations, we demonstrate that high refractive index spherical resonators present such topologically protected features. Furthermore, we calculate the polarization structure of light around the generated C lines, unveiling a M\"obius strip structure in the main axis of the polarization ellipse. These results prove that high-index nanoparticles are excellent candidates for the generation and control of polarization singularities and that they may lead to new platforms for the experimental study of the topology of light fields around optical antennas.