Encapsulated void resonators in lossy dielectric van der Waals heterostructures

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel approach to creating optical resonances in lossy dielectric materials by structuring air voids, enabling visible spectrum applications despite high material losses.

Contribution

It demonstrates the design, fabrication, and characterization of void resonators in lossy materials like tungsten diselenide, expanding photonic device possibilities.

Findings

Void resonances can be supported in highly lossy dielectrics.

Encapsulation shifts resonance wavelength by over 150 nm.

The platform enables new applications in lossy material photonics.

Abstract

Dielectric optical resonators traditionally rely on materials with the combination of high refractive indices and low optical losses. Such materials are scarce for operation in visible spectrum and shorter wavelengths. This limitation can be circumvented by relaxing the requirement of low losses. We demonstrate that highly lossy dielectric materials can be structured to support optical resonances that confine light in air voids. We theoretically design void resonances in the visible spectrum and identify resonant modes supported by void arrays. Experimentally, we fabricate void arrays in tungsten diselenide and characterize the confined resonances using far-field reflectance measurements and scanning near-field optical microscopy. Using van der Waals heterostructure assembly, we encapsulate the voids with hexagonal boron nitride which reduces the void volume causing a large spectral blue shift of the void resonance exceeding 150 nm. Our work demonstrates a versatile optical platform for lossy materials, expanding the range of suitable materials and the spectral range of photonic devices.