Exploiting aperiodic designs in nanophotonic devices

Abstract

In this work we consider the role of aperiodic order-order without periodicity-in the design of different optical devices in one, two and three dimensions. To this end, we will first study devices based on aperiodic multilayered structures. In many instances the recourse to Fibonacci, Thue-Morse or fractal arrangements of layers results in improved optical properties compared with their periodic counterparts. On this basis, the possibility of constructing optical devices based on a modular design of the multilayered structure, where periodic and quasiperiodic subunits are properly mixed, is analyzed, illustrating how this additional degree of freedom enhances the optical performance in some specific applications. This line of thought can be naturally extended to aperiodic arrangements of optical elements, such as nanospheres or dielectric rods in the plane, as well as to three-dimensional photonic quasicrystals based on polymer materials. In this way, plentiful possibilities for new tailored materials naturally appear, generally following suitable optimization algorithms. Then, we present a detailed discussion on the physical properties supporting the preferential use of aperiodic devices in a number of optical applications, opening new avenues for technological innovation. Finally we suggest some related emerging topics that deserve some attention in the years to come.

Spectral Classification of One‐Dimensional Binary Aperiodic Crystals: An Algebraic Approach

“…[66] The knowledge gained from these extensions could be of interest for the design of optimized phononic and photonic QCs. [67][68][69] In this regard, the presence of states with an intermediate degree of localization, as those described in the previous section, may o¤er a higher degree of control and tuning ‡exibility, leading to the possible existence of either relatively localized or signi…cantly extended electromagnetic intensity patterns by design. In fact, the possible occurrence of these tunable optical modes in defect-free photonic QCs would be of interest for the fabrication of high quality factor resonators as well as coupled-resonator waveguides.…”

Fractal square zone plates

“…It is interesting, for our purposes, to note that triadic Cantor set in Fig. 1(a) can also codified using an array of binary elements [13]. The generating array for S=1 is {101}, where "1" represent a white segment and "0" a black segment in Fig.…”

Simulation methods for multiperiodic and aperiodic nanostructured dielectric waveguides

“…Figure 1 depicts a TiO 2 waveguide with aperiodic deterministic nanostructure based on a ThueMorse binary sequence. Deterministic aperiodic nanostructures are engineered ordered nanostructures without periodicity (Dal Negro 2012a, b;Maciá 2012). Compound multiperiodic gratings and deterministic aperiodic nanostructures offer the opportunity to tailor the spectral properties and have recently been suggested for refractive index biosensing (Boriskina et al 2008a, b;Kluge et al 2014;Neustock et al 2016).…”