Demonstration of zero optical backscattering from single nanoparticles

Nano Lett. 2013 Apr 10;13(4):1806-9. doi: 10.1021/nl4005018. Epub 2013 Mar 8.

Abstract

We present the first experimental demonstration of zero backscattering from nanoparticles at optical frequencies as originally discussed by Kerker et al. [ Kerker , M. ; Wang , D. ; Giles , C. J. Opt. Soc. A 1983 , 73 , 765 ]. GaAs pillars were fabricated on a fused silica substrate and the spectrum of the backscattered radiation was measured in the wavelength range 600-1000 nm. Suppression of backscattering occurred at ~725 nm, agreeing with calculations based on the discrete dipole approximation. Particles with zero backscattering provide new functionality for metamaterials and optical antennas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Absorption
  • Light
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Scattering, Radiation*
  • Silicon Dioxide / chemistry*

Substances

  • Silicon Dioxide