Generalized Epsilon-Near-Zero Polaritons on Uniaxial Metasurfaces

TL;DR

This paper explores generalized epsilon-near-zero polaritons on anisotropic metasurfaces, revealing complex mode behaviors, topological transitions, and potential for advanced control in photonic applications.

Contribution

It extends the understanding of ENZ modes by analyzing anisotropic effects and phase diagrams, introducing new insights into mode coexistence and topological transitions.

Findings

Revealed a seven-region phase diagram for ENZ polaritons.

Identified conditions for coexistence of different polariton modes.

Demonstrated phase velocity reversals and near-field modifications.

Abstract

Epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) thin films facilitate strong light-matter interactions with a widespread impact in nonlinear, quantum and thermal photonics. Here, we extend the scope of thin film ENZ modes by elucidating the generalized polaritonic modes emerging from anisotropy and near-zero permittivity. Through a theoretical investigation of generalized ENZ polaritons on silicon carbide (SiC) metasurfaces, we reveal a complex polaritonic landscape, consisting of a seven-region phase diagram. We show that the complex interplay between material properties and geometry changes the nature of the modes, and we clarify when ENZ modes with closed and open isofrequency curves (IFCs) can be observed, and how they coexist with surface phonon-polaritons and hyperbolic modes. The associated photonic topological transitions are accompanied by phase velocity sign reversals and induce dramatic modifications of near-field profiles and Purcell enhancement factors. Our work merges insights from anisotropic and ENZ effects, enabling enhanced control over polariton behavior with broad implications for subwavelength optics, material design, nonlinear effects, thermal emission, and quantum technologies.