On-fiber high-resolution photonic nanojets via high refractive index dielectrics

In this manuscript, we present high spatial resolution focusing of electromagnetic waves at telecommunication wavelengths (lambda(0) = 1.55 mu m) by using high-refractive index mesoscale dielectrics placed at the end of an optical fiber. Our approach exploits photonic nanojets (PNJs) to achieve high-intensity, spatially narrow focal spots. The response of the device is evaluated in detail considering 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) configurations using high-index mesoscale cylindrical and spherical dielectrics, respectively, placed on top of an optical fiber. It is shown how the PNJs can be shifted towards the output surface of the mesoscale high-index dielectric by simply truncating its 2D/3D cylindrical/spherical output profile. With this setup, a PNJ with a high transversal resolution is obtained using the 2D/3D engineered mesoscale dielectric particles achieving a Full-Width at Half-Maximum of FWHM = 0.28 lambda(0) (2D truncated dielectric), and FWHMy = 0.174 and FWHMx = 0.214 (3D truncated dielectric). The proposed structure may have potential in applications where near-field high spatial resolution is required, such as in sensing and imaging systems. Published by Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Automated summary

In this manuscript, a method for high spatial resolution focusing of electromagnetic waves at telecommunication wavelengths using high-refractive index mesoscale dielectrics is presented. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and potential application value of this method.