Fano resonant all-dielectric core/shell nanoparticles with ultrahigh scattering directionality in the visible region

We demonstrate Si-based single core/shell (Si/SiO2) nanoparticles which exhibit the Fano resonance associated with ultrahigh scattering directionality. The SiO2 shell plays a crucial role in achieving zero backscattering at the Fano resonance wavelength along with strongly-enhanced forward scattering. As a result, the front-to-back scattering-intensity ratio is five orders of magnitude greater than that of a Si nanoparticle. Furthermore, the Fano resonance wavelength is controlled over the entire visible region by changing the core diameter. The Fano spectra also show distinctive intensity modulations depending on the index of refraction of the surrounding medium. These unique features make Si/SiO2 nanoparticles promising for the design of low-loss nano-antennas, metamaterials, and other nanophotonic devices. (C) 2016 Optical Society of America