1,809 research outputs found
Retrieving the Size of Deep-subwavelength Objects via Tunable Optical Spin-Orbit Coupling
We propose a scheme to retrieve the size parameters of a nano-particle on a
glass substrate at a scale much smaller than the wavelength. This is achieved
by illuminating the particle using two plane waves to create rich and
non-trivial local polarization distributions, and observing the far-field
scattering pattern into the substrate. A simple dipole model which exploits
tunneling effect of evanescent field into regions beyond the critical angle, as
well as directional scattering due to spin-orbit coupling is developed, to
relate the particle's shape, size and position to the far-field scattering with
remarkable sensitivity. Our method brings about a far-field super-resolution
imaging scheme based on the interaction of vectorial light with nanoparticles
Non-negligible magnetic dipole scattering from metallic nanowire for ultrasensitive deflection sensing
It is generally believed that when a single metallic nanowire is sufficiently
small, it scatters like a point electric dipole. We show theoretically when a
metallic nanowire is placed inside specially designed beams, the non-negligible
magnetic dipole contribution along with the electric dipole resonance can lead
to unidirectional scattering in the far-field, fulfilling Kerker's condition.
Remarkably, this far-field unidirectional scattering encodes information that
is highly dependent on the nanowire's deflection at a scale much smaller than
the wavelength. The special role of small but non-negligible magnetic response
and plasmonic resonance are highlighted for this extreme sensitivity as
compared with the dielectric counterpart. Effects such as scattering efficiency
and shape of the nanowire's cross section are also discussed.Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures. Comments are welcom
Solar-grade silicon prepared by carbothermic reduction of silica
An advanced carbothermic reduction (ACR) process was developed to produce solar grade (SC) silicon from high purity silica and carbon. Preparation of starting materials and operation of the arc furnace to product high purity silicon is described. Solar cells prepared from single crystal SG-Si had efficiencies of up to 12.3% practically identical to cells made from electronic grade silicon. The ACR process is not in the pilot stage for further evaluation
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