In this Letter we introduce a new class of Fano-resonant all-dielectric metasurfaces for enhanced, high figure of merit magneto-optical response. The metasurfaces are formed by an array of magneto-optical bismuth-substituted yttrium iron garnet nano-disks embedded into a low-index matrix. The strong field enhancement in the magneto-optical disks, which results in over an order of magnitude enhancement of Faraday rotation, is achieved by engineering two (electric and magnetic) resonances. It is shown that while enhancement of rotation also takes place for spectrally detuned resonances, the resonant excitation inevitably results in stronger reflection and low figure of merit of the device. We demonstrate that this can be circumvented by overlapping electric and magnetic resonances of the nanodisks, yielding a sharp electromagnetically induced transparency peak in the transmission spectrum, which is accompanied by gigantic Faraday rotation. Our results show that one can simultaneously obtain a large Faraday rotation enhancement along with almost 100% transmittance in an all-dielectric metasurface as thin as 300 nm. A simple analytical model based on coupled-mode theory is introduced to explain the effects observed in first-principle finite element method simulations.

Refractive index sensing is a highly sensitive and label-free detection method for molecular binding events. Commercial implementations of biosensing concepts based on plasmon resonances typically require significant external instrumentation such as microscopes and spectrometers. Few concepts exist that are based on direct integration of plasmonic nanostructures with optoelectronic devices for on-chip integration. Here, we present a CMOS-compatible refractive index sensor consisting of a Ge heterostructure PIN diode in combination with a plasmonic nanohole array structured directly into the diode Al contact metallization. In our devices, the photocurrent can be used to detect surface refractive index changes under simple top illumination and without the aid of signal amplification circuitry. Our devices exhibit large sensitivities > 1000 nm per refractive index unit in bulk refractive index sensing and could serve as prototypes to leverage the cost-effectiveness of the CMOS platform for ultra-compact, low-cost biosensors.

Nonreciprocity and nonreciprocal optical devices play a vital role in modern photonic technologies by enforcing one-way propagation of light. Here, we demonstrate an all-optical approach to nonreciprocity based on valley-selective response in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). This approach overcomes the limitations of magnetic materials and it does not require an external magnetic field. We provide experimental evidence of photoinduced nonreciprocity in a monolayer WS2 pumped by circularly polarized (CP) light. Nonreciprocity stems from valley-selective exciton population, giving rise to nonlinear circular dichroism controlled by CP pump fields. Our experimental results reveal a significant effect even at room temperature, despite considerable intervalley-scattering, showing promising potential for practical applications in magnetic-free nonreciprocal platforms. As an example, here we propose a device scheme to realize an optical isolator based on a pass-through silicon nitride (SiN) ring resonator integrating the optically biased TMD monolayer.

SummaryA simple inexpensive system comprising a piston pump, switching valves, and capillary tubing has been developed for preparing mixed mobile phases for capillary supercritical fluid chromatography. The system enables the on-line preparation of mixed mobile phases without contamination of the pump with modifier. Modifier concentrations, which can be changed stepwise, were determined both experimentally and theoretically, the latter on the basis of densityviscosity relationships. Examples of both isobaric and pressure programmed separations are demonstrated.

An ultraviolet detector with a capillary flow cell is evaluated for use as a refractive index detector in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) using a CO 2 mobile phase. The temperature or pressure control or both of the cell is critical to minimize density-related refractive index changes. Using CO 2 , which has a refractive index value that is significantly smaller than that of common organic solvents, leads to higher detector response. Based on a long-term noise level of 2.3×10 5 refractive index units, the detection limit for n-hexadecyl alcohol at a signal-to-noise ratio of 2 is 30 μg on a 4.6-mm i.d. packed column. This corresponds to the actual detection limit of 30 ng in the capillary cell (at a split ratio of 1:1000). The linear dynamic range of the detector is more than 2 orders of magnitude. This detection method can readily be used for preparative SFC.