Highly efficient optical coupling and transport phenomena in chains of dielectric microspheres

Zhigang Chen*, Allen Taflove, Vadim Backman

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

112 Scopus citations

Abstract

Using the generalized multiparticle Mie theory, we investigate optical coupling and transport through chains of dielectric microspheres. We identify two distinct coupling mechanisms of optical transport in terms of the coupling efficiency between neighboring microspheres, namely, evanescent coupling and nanojet coupling. We demonstrate that perfect whispering gallery mode propagation through a chain of evanescently coupled microspheres can be achieved. However, optical coupling and transport through a chain of nanojet-inducing microspheres is less efficient due to the radiative nature of photonic nanojets. Understanding these two optical coupling mechanisms is critical for selecting appropriate microspheres to build coupled resonator optical waveguides and other photon-manipulation devices for effective and low-loss guiding of photons.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)389-391
Number of pages3
JournalOptics Letters
Volume31
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1 2006

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Highly efficient optical coupling and transport phenomena in chains of dielectric microspheres'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this