Effect of charged-particle surface excitations on near-field optics

The mechanism of charge on the near-field intensity distribution is revealed for metallic and dielectric particles with sizes ranging from 10 nm to 10 μm. The theoretical foundation of near-field intensity perturbations is in the discontinuity of the tangential components of the magnetic fields on either side of the interface between the particle and its surrounding medium, since excess electrons form a thin metal-like layer with elevated conductivity. We have shown that the local fields alter marginally if charges are imposed on a surface of a metallic particle. But an intensity amplification is identified in the vicinity of charged dielectric particles with sizes smaller than the wavelength. Specifically, we have demonstrated that the electromagnetic field is amplified near the poles of the particle as a result of the oriented electric and incident fields. In contrast, a dielectric particle that is large compared to the wavelength becomes opaque with a deep shadow at the side opposite to the beam incidence. As a result, intensity damping is identified near a charged sphere in the geometric optics regime. At significant charge densities, the physical properties of a conductive layer play a dominant role in forming the 3D intensity distribution independent of conductivity or permittivity of the particle core. These findings suggest that some electrically chargeable particles have the potential to be used as optical devices with properties tunable through their net surface charge.