Magnetic interaction in all silicon waveguide spherical coupler device

The magnetic field component of light in dielectric materials generally plays a negligible role at optical frequency values. However, it is a key component of metal based metamaterials. Here we report on the dominant role of the magnetic interaction in a dielectric spherical silicon nanocavity coupled to a silicon waveguide. The analytical method, as well as the finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation, show a three dimensional (3D) magnetic trap effect when the magnetic like Mie resonances of the nanocavity are excited. (C)2012 Optical Society of America