Polarization-Independent, tunable, broadband perfect absorber based on semi-sphere patterned Epsilon-Near-Zero films

Epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) optical materials, whose real part of the dielectric constant crosses zero, have been demonstrated to enhance linear and nonlinear optical responses in the ENZ region. Here, a new broadband light absorption design concept based on the coupling of ENZ and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) modes is proposed. It is verified by a single-layer semi-sphere patterned indium tin oxide (ITO) film based on large-area and low-cost self-assembly technology. Simulation and experimental results show that the 91 nm thick ITO film on the two-dimensional microsphere array can simultaneously excite the ENZ and LSPR modes without complex coupling structures, which enable >98% light absorption in the range of 1435-1680 nm. The perfect absorber based on a corrugated ITO film has typical polarization-independent, large-angular-spectrum, adjustable-absorption-bandwidth, and field-enhanced resonance absorption characteristics. These findings provide a new design solution for low-cost broadband perfect absorbers based on ENZ materials, which have wide prospects for application in near-infrared sensors, photoelectric detection, and ENZ photonics.

Automated summary

A new design concept for broadband light absorption based on the coupling of epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) modes is proposed. Experimental results show that a single-layer patterned indium tin oxide (ITO) film on a two-dimensional microsphere array can achieve over 98% light absorption in a wide wavelength range. These findings provide a low-cost solution for designing broadband perfect absorbers based on ENZ materials, with potential applications in near-infrared sensors, photoelectric detection, and ENZ photonics.