Editorial

5 pages, 228 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue on Photonic Jet: Science and Application

by Zengbo Wang, Boris Luk’yanchuk and Igor V. Minin

Photonics 2022, 9(8), 540; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9080540 - 01 Aug 2022

Viewed by 1311

Photonic jets (PJs) are important mesoscale optical phenomena arising from electromagnetic waves interacting with dielectric particles with sizes around several to several tens wavelengths (~2–40

λ

) [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonic Jet: Science and Application)

Research

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12 pages, 12712 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Near-Field Light-Bending Photonic Switch: Physics of Switching Based on Three-Dimensional Poynting Vector Analysis

by Liyang Yue, Zengbo Wang, Bing Yan, Yao Xie, Yuri E. Geints, Oleg V. Minin and Igor V. Minin

Photonics 2022, 9(3), 154; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics9030154 - 04 Mar 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2211

Abstract

Photonic hook is a high-intensity, bent light focus with a proportional curvature to the wavelength of the incident light. Based on this unique light-bending phenomenon, a novel near-field photonic switch by means of a right-trapezoid dielectric Janus particle-lens embedded in the core of [...] Read more.

Photonic hook is a high-intensity, bent light focus with a proportional curvature to the wavelength of the incident light. Based on this unique light-bending phenomenon, a novel near-field photonic switch by means of a right-trapezoid dielectric Janus particle-lens embedded in the core of a planar waveguide is proposed for switching the photonic signals at two common optical communication wavelengths, 1310 nm and 1550 nm, by using numerical simulations. The signals at these two wavelengths can be guided to different routes according to their oppositely bent photonic hooks to realise wavelength selective switching. The switching mechanism is analysed by an in-house developed three-dimensional (3D) Poynting vector visualisation technology. It demonstrates that the 3D distribution and number of Poynting vector vortexes produced by the particle highly affect the shapes and bending directions of the photonic hooks causing the near-field switching, and multiple independent high-magnitude areas matched by the regional Poynting vector streamlines can form these photonic hooks. The corresponding mechanism can only be represented by 3D Poynting vector distributions and is being reported for the first time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonic Jet: Science and Application)

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9 pages, 17242 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Super-Resolution Imaging with Patchy Microspheres

by Qingqing Shang, Fen Tang, Lingya Yu, Hamid Oubaha, Darwin Caina, Songlin Yang, Sorin Melinte, Chao Zuo, Zengbo Wang and Ran Ye

Photonics 2021, 8(11), 513; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8110513 - 15 Nov 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2833

Abstract

The diffraction limit is a fundamental barrier in optical microscopy, which restricts the smallest resolvable feature size of a microscopic system. Microsphere-based microscopy has proven to be a promising tool for challenging the diffraction limit. Nevertheless, the microspheres have a low imaging contrast [...] Read more.

The diffraction limit is a fundamental barrier in optical microscopy, which restricts the smallest resolvable feature size of a microscopic system. Microsphere-based microscopy has proven to be a promising tool for challenging the diffraction limit. Nevertheless, the microspheres have a low imaging contrast in air, which hinders the application of this technique. In this work, we demonstrate that this challenge can be effectively overcome by using partially Ag-plated microspheres. The deposited Ag film acts as an aperture stop that blocks a portion of the incident beam, forming a photonic hook and an oblique near-field illumination. Such a photonic hook significantly enhanced the imaging contrast of the system, as experimentally verified by imaging the Blu-ray disc surface and colloidal particle arrays. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonic Jet: Science and Application)

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9 pages, 5037 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Generation of Photonic Hooks from Patchy Microcylinders

by Fen Tang, Qingqing Shang, Songlin Yang, Ting Wang, Sorin Melinte, Chao Zuo and Ran Ye

Photonics 2021, 8(11), 466; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8110466 - 22 Oct 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2045

Abstract

The photonic hook (PH) is a new type of curved light beam, which has promising applications in various fields such as nanoparticle manipulation, super-resolution imaging, and so forth. Herein, we proposed a new approach of utilizing patchy microcylinders for the generation of PHs. [...] Read more.

The photonic hook (PH) is a new type of curved light beam, which has promising applications in various fields such as nanoparticle manipulation, super-resolution imaging, and so forth. Herein, we proposed a new approach of utilizing patchy microcylinders for the generation of PHs. Numerical simulation based on the finite-difference time-domain method was used to investigate the field distribution characteristics of the PHs. By rotating the patchy microcylinder, PHs with different curvatures can be effectively generated, and the PH with a bending angle of 28.4

^{\circ}

and a full-width-half-maximum of 0.36

λ

can be obtained from 1

μ

m-diameter patchy microcylinders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonic Jet: Science and Application)

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7 pages, 1065 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photonic Jet-Shaped Optical Fiber Tips versus Lensed Fibers

by Djamila Bouaziz, Grégoire Chabrol, Assia Guessoum, Nacer-Eddine Demagh and Sylvain Lecler

Photonics 2021, 8(9), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8090373 - 07 Sep 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2220

Abstract

Shaped optical fiber tips have recently attracted a lot of interest for photonic jet light focusing due to their easy manipulation to scan a sample. However, lensed optical fibers are not new. This study analyzes how fiber tip parameters can be used to [...] Read more.

Shaped optical fiber tips have recently attracted a lot of interest for photonic jet light focusing due to their easy manipulation to scan a sample. However, lensed optical fibers are not new. This study analyzes how fiber tip parameters can be used to control focusing properties. Our study shows that the configurations to generate a photonic jet (PJ) can clearly be distinguished from more classical-lensed fibers focusing. PJ is a highly concentrated, propagative light beam, with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) that can be lower than the diffraction limit. According to the simulations, the PJs are obtained when light is coupled in the guide fundamental mode and when the base diameter of the microlens is close to the core diameter. For single mode fibers or fibers with a low number of modes, long tips with a relatively sharp shape achieve PJ with smaller widths. On the contrary, when the base diameter of the microlens is larger than the fiber core, the focus point tends to move away from the external surface of the fiber and has a larger width. In other words, the optical system (fiber/microlens) behaves in this case like a classical-lensed fiber with a larger focus spot size. The results of this study can be used as guidelines for the tailored fabrication of shaped optical fiber tips according to the targeted application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonic Jet: Science and Application)

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10 pages, 5461 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Photonic Nanojet Modulation Achieved by a Spider-Silk-Based Metal–Dielectric Dome Microlens

by Ching-Bin Lin, Yu-Hsiang Lin, Wei-Yu Chen and Cheng-Yang Liu

Photonics 2021, 8(8), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8080334 - 14 Aug 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2377

Abstract

The photonic nanojet is a non-resonance focusing phenomenon with high intensity and narrow spot that can serve as a powerful biosensor for in vivo detection of red blood cells, micro-organisms, and tumor cells in blood. In this study, we first demonstrated photonic nanojet [...] Read more.

The photonic nanojet is a non-resonance focusing phenomenon with high intensity and narrow spot that can serve as a powerful biosensor for in vivo detection of red blood cells, micro-organisms, and tumor cells in blood. In this study, we first demonstrated photonic nanojet modulation by utilizing a spider-silk-based metal–dielectric dome microlens. A cellar spider was employed in extracting the silk fiber, which possesses a liquid-collecting ability to form a dielectric dome microlens. The metal casing on the surface of the dielectric dome was coated by using a glancing angle deposition technique. Due to the nature of surface plasmon polaritons, the characteristics of photonic nanojets are strongly modulated by different metal casings. Numerical and experimental results showed that the intensity of the photonic nanojet was increased by a factor of three for the gold-coated dome microlens due to surface plasmon resonance. The spider-silk-based metal-dielectric dome microlens could be used to scan a biological target for large-area imaging with a conventional optical microscope. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonic Jet: Science and Application)

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9 pages, 2478 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Super-Resolution Imaging by Dielectric Superlenses: TiO₂ Metamaterial Superlens versus BaTiO₃ Superlens

by Rakesh Dhama, Bing Yan, Cristiano Palego and Zengbo Wang

Photonics 2021, 8(6), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8060222 - 15 Jun 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3449

Abstract

All-dielectric superlens made from micro and nano particles has emerged as a simple yet effective solution to label-free, super-resolution imaging. High-index BaTiO₃ Glass (BTG) microspheres are among the most widely used dielectric superlenses today but could potentially be replaced by a new [...] Read more.

All-dielectric superlens made from micro and nano particles has emerged as a simple yet effective solution to label-free, super-resolution imaging. High-index BaTiO₃ Glass (BTG) microspheres are among the most widely used dielectric superlenses today but could potentially be replaced by a new class of TiO₂ metamaterial (meta-TiO₂) superlens made of TiO₂ nanoparticles. In this work, we designed and fabricated TiO₂ metamaterial superlens in full-sphere shape for the first time, which resembles BTG microsphere in terms of the physical shape, size, and effective refractive index. Super-resolution imaging performances were compared using the same sample, lighting, and imaging settings. The results show that TiO₂ meta-superlens performs consistently better over BTG superlens in terms of imaging contrast, clarity, field of view, and resolution, which was further supported by theoretical simulation. This opens new possibilities in developing more powerful, robust, and reliable super-resolution lens and imaging systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonic Jet: Science and Application)

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8 pages, 3000 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Direct Writing of Silicon Oxide Nanopatterns Using Photonic Nanojets

by Hao Luo, Haibo Yu, Yangdong Wen, Jianchen Zheng, Xiaoduo Wang and Lianqing Liu

Photonics 2021, 8(5), 152; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8050152 - 03 May 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2587

Abstract

The ability to create controllable patterns of micro- and nanostructures on the surface of bulk silicon has widespread application potential. In particular, the direct writing of silicon oxide patterns on silicon via femtosecond laser-induced silicon amorphization has attracted considerable attention owing to its [...] Read more.

The ability to create controllable patterns of micro- and nanostructures on the surface of bulk silicon has widespread application potential. In particular, the direct writing of silicon oxide patterns on silicon via femtosecond laser-induced silicon amorphization has attracted considerable attention owing to its simplicity and high efficiency. However, the direct writing of nanoscale resolution is challenging due to the optical diffraction effect. In this study, we propose a highly efficient, one-step method for preparing silicon oxide nanopatterns on silicon. The proposed method combines femtosecond laser-induced silicon amorphization with a subwavelength-scale beam waist of photonic nanojets. We demonstrate the direct writing of arbitrary nanopatterns via contactless scanning, achieving patterns with a minimum feature size of 310 nm and a height of 120 nm. The proposed method shows potential for the fabrication of multifunctional surfaces, silicon-based chips, and silicon photonics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonic Jet: Science and Application)

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7 pages, 1666 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Near- to Far-Field Coupling of Evanescent Waves by Glass Microspheres

by Rayenne Boudoukha, Stephane Perrin, Assia Demagh, Paul Montgomery, Nacer-Eddine Demagh and Sylvain Lecler

Photonics 2021, 8(3), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8030073 - 06 Mar 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2713

Abstract

Through rigorous electromagnetic simulations, the natural coupling of high-spatial-frequency evanescent waves from the near field to the far field by dielectric microspheres is studied in air. The generation of whispering gallery modes inside the microspheres is shown independently of any resonance. In addition, [...] Read more.

Through rigorous electromagnetic simulations, the natural coupling of high-spatial-frequency evanescent waves from the near field to the far field by dielectric microspheres is studied in air. The generation of whispering gallery modes inside the microspheres is shown independently of any resonance. In addition, the conversion mechanism of these evanescent waves into propagating waves is analysed. This latter point leads to key information that allows a better physical understanding of the super-resolution phenomenon in microsphere-assisted microscopy where sub-diffraction-limit revolving power is achieved. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonic Jet: Science and Application)

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10 pages, 2438 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

A Closer Look at Photonic Nanojets in Reflection Mode: Control of Standing Wave Modulation

by Ksenia A. Sergeeva, Alexander A. Sergeev, Oleg V. Minin and Igor V. Minin

Photonics 2021, 8(2), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8020054 - 17 Feb 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2618

Abstract

The photonic nanojet phenomenon is commonly used both to increase the resolution of optical microscopes and to trap nanoparticles. However, such photonic nanojets are not applicable to an entire class of objects. Here we present a new type of photonic nanojet in reflection [...] Read more.

The photonic nanojet phenomenon is commonly used both to increase the resolution of optical microscopes and to trap nanoparticles. However, such photonic nanojets are not applicable to an entire class of objects. Here we present a new type of photonic nanojet in reflection mode with the possibility to control the modulation of the photonic nanojet by a standing wave. In contrast to the known kinds of reflective photonic nanojets, the reported one occurs when the aluminum oxide hemisphere is located at a certain distance from the substrate. Under illumination, the hemisphere generates a primary photonic nanojet directed to the substrate. After reflection, the primary nanojet acts as an illumination source for the hemisphere, leading to the formation of a new reflective photonic nanojet. We show that the distance between the hemisphere and substrate affects the phase of both incident and reflected radiation, and due to constructive interference, the modulation of the reflective photonic nanojet by a standing wave can be significantly reduced. The results obtained contribute to the understanding of the processes of photonic nanojet formation in reflection mode and open new pathways for designing functional optical devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonic Jet: Science and Application)

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Review

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22 pages, 5252 KiB

Open AccessReview

Optical Trapping, Sensing, and Imaging by Photonic Nanojets

by Heng Li, Wanying Song, Yanan Zhao, Qin Cao and Ahao Wen

Photonics 2021, 8(10), 434; https://doi.org/10.3390/photonics8100434 - 11 Oct 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4199

Abstract

The optical trapping, sensing, and imaging of nanostructures and biological samples are research hotspots in the fields of biomedicine and nanophotonics. However, because of the diffraction limit of light, traditional optical tweezers and microscopy are difficult to use to trap and observe objects [...] Read more.

The optical trapping, sensing, and imaging of nanostructures and biological samples are research hotspots in the fields of biomedicine and nanophotonics. However, because of the diffraction limit of light, traditional optical tweezers and microscopy are difficult to use to trap and observe objects smaller than 200 nm. Near-field scanning probes, metamaterial superlenses, and photonic crystals have been designed to overcome the diffraction limit, and thus are used for nanoscale optical trapping, sensing, and imaging. Additionally, photonic nanojets that are simply generated by dielectric microspheres can break the diffraction limit and enhance optical forces, detection signals, and imaging resolution. In this review, we summarize the current types of microsphere lenses, as well as their principles and applications in nano-optical trapping, signal enhancement, and super-resolution imaging, with particular attention paid to research progress in photonic nanojets for the trapping, sensing, and imaging of biological cells and tissues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonic Jet: Science and Application)

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