Controlling multipolar radiation with symmetries for electromagnetic bound states in the continuum

Interferences in open systems embedded in a continuum can lead to states that are bound within the continuum itself. An electromagnetic state that naturally decays becomes bound at a unique point in phase space. We demonstrate the striking occurrence of multiple such peculiar states in coupled deep subwavelength resonators. The bound states in the continuum originate from the control of multipolar radiation and their symmetries. The architectures investigated here, using all-dielectric resonators, constitute a flexible and readily achievable platform for applications requiring strong light-matter interaction and light localization.