Symmetrical anisotropy enables dynamic diffraction control in photonics

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Miniaturized photonic devices face limitations due to the diffraction limit, hindering compatibility with electronic dimensions.
• Advancements in nanofabrication have not fully resolved the diffraction limit challenge in photonic devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To overcome the diffraction limit in photonic devices using anisotropic scaling of photonic crystals (PhCs).
• To achieve controlled diffraction limit along the ΓX direction.
• To explore possibilities for high-frequency wave guiding and investigate quasi-bound states in the continuum (QBICs).

Main Methods:

• Anisotropic scaling of photonic crystal (PhC) shapes.
• Scaling the direction perpendicular to wave propagation (y-direction) by factors of 1/2 and 1/4.
• Analysis of asymmetric dimer network-type photonic crystals.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in the diffraction limit by two and four orders of magnitude through anisotropic scaling.
• Demonstration of controlled diffraction limit along the ΓX direction.
• Illustration of quasi-bound states in the continuum (QBICs) in asymmetric dimer network-type PhCs.

Conclusions:

• Anisotropic scaling of PhCs is an effective strategy to overcome the diffraction limit.
• This approach enables high-frequency wave guiding in cermet configurations.
• The study reveals the existence of QBICs in specific PhC structures, opening new avenues in photonic research.