Infrared resonance-lattice device technology

TL;DR

This paper discusses the design, fabrication, and testing of subwavelength resonant lattice devices, such as sensors and filters, operating across various infrared spectral regions, emphasizing their versatility and structural simplicity.

Contribution

It introduces the use of guided-mode lattice resonance in nano- and microstructured films for diverse infrared optical devices, highlighting their advantages over traditional multi-layer optics.

Findings

Demonstrated near-IR, mid-IR, and long-wave IR devices

Fabricated biological sensors, polarizers, and filters

Achieved high performance in spectral selectivity and device functionality

Abstract

We present subwavelength resonant lattices fashioned as nano- and microstructured films as a basis for a host of device concepts. Whereas the canonical physical properties are fully embodied in a one-dimensional periodic lattice, the final device constructs are often patterned in two-dimensionally-modulated films in which case we may refer to them as photonic crystal slabs, metamaterials, or metasurfaces. These surfaces can support lateral modes and localized field signatures with propagative and evanescent diffraction channels critically controlling the response. The governing principle of guided-mode, or lattice, resonance enables diverse spectral expressions such that a single-layer component can behave as a sensor, reflector, filter, or polarizer. This structural sparsity contrasts strongly with the venerable field of multi-layer thin-film optics that is basis for most optical components on the market today. The lattice resonance effect can be exploited in all major spectral regions with appropriate low-loss materials and fabrication resources. In this paper, we highlight resonant device technology and present our work on design, fabrication, and characterization of optical elements operating in the near-IR, mid-IR, and long-wave IR spectral regions. Examples of fabricated and tested devices include biological sensors, high-contrast-ratio polarizers, narrow-band notch filters, and wideband high reflectors.