Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2025

Label-free Single Molecule Detection Using Microtoroid Optical Resonators
Published on: December 29, 2015
Toroidal dipole resonances by a sub-wavelength all-dielectric torus
Abstract:
Electromagnetic toroidal excitations open up a new avenue for strong light-matter interactions. Although toroidal dipole resonances (TDRs) based on artificial meta-molecules were reported intensely, the TDRs supported in a single dielectric particle remain largely unknown. In this work, we show that an all-dielectric sub-wavelength torus can support a dominant TDR. The magnetic field can be enhanced greatly, and it shows a "vortex-like" configuration in the torus, confirming the toroidal excitation. The evolutions of the TDRs due to the geometrical parameters, dielectric permittivity, and polarization are discussed. It is found that the toroidal excitation is achieved mainly for TM polarization, while the anapole state is uncovered for TE polarization. This work suggests a new strategy for toroidal excitations based on a simple dielectric resonator.
Related Concept Videos
Induced Electric Dipoles
Since the absolute value of potential energy holds no physical meaning, its zero value can be chosen as per...
Dielectric Polarization in a Capacitor
Toroids
When connected to a supply, the magnetic field generated in the toroid has field lines circular and concentric to its axis. Conventionally, the direction of this magnetic field is expressed using the right-hand rule. If the fingers of the right hand curl in the current direction, the thumb...
Torque On A Current Loop In A Magnetic Field
Consider a rectangular current-carrying loop containing N turns of wire, placed in a uniform magnetic field. The net force on a current-carrying loop...
Standing Waves in a Cavity
Electric Dipoles and Dipole Moment
Theoretically, studying electric dipoles leads to understanding why the resultant electric forces around us are weak. Since electric forces are strong, remnant net charges are rare. Hence, the interaction between dipoles helps us understand electrical interactions in...

