The 3D Lima\c{c}on: Properties and Applications

TL;DR

This paper investigates the electromagnetic properties of 3D optical Limaçon microcavities, revealing enhanced quality factors and directional emission patterns, with potential applications in sensors and photonic devices.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed analysis of 3D modes and far-fields in Limaçon microcavities, highlighting their improved performance over 2D models and potential for practical applications.

Findings

Increased quality factors in 3D compared to 2D models

Pronounced emission maxima inclined to the resonator plane

Potential for environmental sensing based on emission profile changes

Abstract

We perform electromagnetic wave simulations of fully three-dimensional optical Lima\c{c}on-microcavities, one basis for their future applications in microlasers and photonic devices. The analysis of the three-dimensional modes and far-fields reveals an increase of the quality factors as compared to the two-dimensional case. The structure of the far-field in the third dimension shows pronounced maxima in the emission directionality inclined to the resonator plane which may be exploited for coupling the resonator modes to the environment. This triggers ideas for technical applications, like the suggested sensor that can detect small changes in the environment based on changes in the emission profile.