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  1. Abstract

    Many natural patterns and shapes, such as meandering coastlines, clouds, or turbulent flows, exhibit a characteristic complexity that is mathematically described by fractal geometry. Here, we extend the reach of fractal concepts in photonics by experimentally demonstrating multifractality of light in arrays of dielectric nanoparticles that are based on fundamental structures of algebraic number theory. Specifically, we engineered novel deterministic photonic platforms based on the aperiodic distributions of primes and irreducible elements in complex quadratic and quaternions rings. Our findings stimulate fundamental questions on the nature of transport and localization of wave excitations in deterministic media with multi-scale fluctuations beyond what is possible in traditional fractal systems. Moreover, our approach establishes structure–property relationships that can readily be transferred to planar semiconductor electronics and to artificial atomic lattices, enabling the exploration of novel quantum phases and many-body effects.

     
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  2. Abstract

    This paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of dual‐band multi‐focal diffractive microlenses with sub‐wavelength thickness and the capability to simultaneously focus visible and near‐infrared spectral bands at two different focal positions. This technology utilizes high‐index and low‐loss sputtered hydrogenated amorphous Si, enabling a sub‐wavelength thickness of only 235 nm. Moreover, the proposed flat lens concept is polarization insensitive and can be readily designed to operate across any desired wavelength regime. Imaging under unpolarized broadband illumination with independent focal planes for two targeted spectral bands is experimentally demonstrated, enabling the encoding of the depth information of a sample into different spectral images. In addition, with a small footprint of only 100 µm and a minimum feature size of 400 nm, the proposed dual‐band multi‐focal diffractive microlenses can be readily integrated with vertical detector arrays to simultaneously concentrate and spectrally select electromagnetic radiation. This approach provides novel opportunities for spectroscopic and multispectral imaging systems with advanced detector architectures.

     
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  4. We design and characterize a novel axilens-based diffractive optics platform that flexibly combines efficient point focusing and grating selectivity and is compatible with scalable top-down fabrication based on a four-level phase mask configuration. This is achieved using phase-modulated compact axilens devices that simultaneously focus incident radiation of selected wavelengths at predefined locations with larger focal depths compared with traditional Fresnel lenses. In addition, the proposed devices are polarization-insensitive and maintain a large focusing efficiency over a broad spectral band. Specifically, here we discuss and characterize modulated axilens configurations designed for long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) in the 6 µm–12 µm wavelength range and in the 4 µm–6 µm midwavelength infrared (MWIR) range. These devices are ideally suited for monolithic integration atop the substrate layers of infrared focal plane arrays and for use as compact microspectrometers. We systematically study their focusing efficiency, spectral response, and cross-talk ratio; further, we demonstrate linear control of multiwavelength focusing on a single plane. Our design method leverages Rayleigh–Sommerfeld diffraction theory and is validated numerically using the finite element method. Finally, we demonstrate the application of spatially modulated axilenses to the realization of a compact, single-lens spectrometer. By optimizing our devices, we achieve a minimum distinguishable wavelength interval ofΔ<#comment/>λ<#comment/>=240nmatλ<#comment/>c=8µ<#comment/>mandΔ<#comment/>λ<#comment/>=165nmatλ<#comment/>c=5µ<#comment/>m. The proposed devices add fundamental spectroscopic capabilities to compact imaging devices for a number of applications ranging from spectral sorting to LWIR and MWIR phase contrast imaging and detection.

     
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  5. We design and characterize compact phase-modulated axilens devices that combine efficient point focusing and grating selectivity within four-level phase mask configurations. Specifically, we select and characterize in detail two device configurations designed for long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) operation in the6µ<#comment/>m−<#comment/>12µ<#comment/>mwavelength range. These devices are ideally suited for monolithic integration atop the substrate layers of infrared focal plane arrays (IR-FPAs) for use in multiband LWIR photodetection. We systematically study their focusing efficiency, spectral response, and crosstalk ratio, and we demonstrate a single-component microspectrometer. Our design method leverages the Rayleigh–Sommerfeld (RS) diffraction theory that is validated numerically using the finite element method (FEM). The proposed devices are broadband and polarization insensitive and add fundamental spectroscopic capabilities to miniaturized optical components for a number of applications in LWIR detection and spectroscopy.

     
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  6. Abstract In this work, reconfigurable metafilm absorbers based on indium silicon oxide (ISO) were investigated. The metafilm absorbers consist of nanoscale metallic resonator arrays on metal-insulator-metal (MIM) multilayer structures. The ISO was used as an active tunable layer embedded in the MIM cavities. The tunable metafilm absorbers with ISO were then fabricated and characterized. A maximum change in the reflectance of 57% and up to 620 nm shift in the resonance wavelength were measured. 
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  7. The conference was held in Burlingame, California United States 29 July–1 August 2019. 
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