Resonant binding of dielectric particles to a metal surface without plasmonics

A high index dielectric spherical particle supports the high-Q resonant Mie modes that result in a regular series of sharp resonances in the radiation pressure. The presence of a perfectly conducting metal surface transforms the Mie modes into extremely high-Q magnetic bonding or electric antibonding modes for the close approach of a sphere to a surface. We show that an electromagnetic plane wave with normal incidence results in repulsive or attractive resonant optical forces relative to a metal for the excitation of electric bonding or magnetic antibonding resonant modes, respectively. A magnitude of resonant optical forces reaches the order of 1 nN of magnitude for micron-sized silicon particles and a power of light 1 mW/mu m(2) that exceeds the gravitational force by four orders. However, what is the most remarkable is there are steady positions for a sphere between the pulling and pushing forces that give rise to the resonant binding of the sphere to a metal surface.

Automated summary

The high-Q resonant Mie modes supported by a high index dielectric spherical particle lead to sharp resonances in the radiation pressure. In the presence of a perfectly conducting metal surface, these Mie modes transform into high-Q magnetic bonding or electric antibonding modes, resulting in repulsive or attractive resonant optical forces when close to the surface. By exciting electric bonding or magnetic antibonding resonant modes, resonant optical forces of about 1 nN for micron-sized silicon particles can exceed gravitational forces by four orders of magnitude, with stable positions between pulling and pushing forces allowing for resonant binding to a metal surface.