Dynamic Nonlocal Dielectric Metasurfaces: Tuning Collective Lattice Resonances via Substrate–Superstrate Permittivity Contrast

Abstract

Contrary to local resonances of single nanostructures, collective (or nonlocal) resonances in periodic metasurfaces, such as surface lattice resonances (SLRs), can significantly enhance light–matter interaction, leading to higher spectral selectivity. The dynamic control of such nonlocal response represents an emerging field of research. While tuning of SLRs has been demonstrated in plasmonic metasurfaces, the use of dielectric metasurfaces provides additional conditions to control both reflectance and transmittance, with minimum absorption effects. A close‐to‐homogeneous environment is usually required to guarantee the excitation of SLRs. Here, we propose theoretically and demonstrate experimentally a practical strategy for the tuning of SLRs in dielectric metasurfaces when an arbitrary index mismatch is considered between substrate and superstrate. The approach is based on a generalized lattice sum theory that accounts for the presence of a substrate. Dynamic tuning of the SLRs in silicon metasurfaces placed on a substrate is achieved with a changeable superstrate via an optofluidic process. Two tuning mechanisms are revealed corresponding to shifting and damping of the SLR, depending on the superstrate–substrate refractive index contrast. The demonstrated dynamic manipulation of transmission and reflection may be exploited in dielectric metasurfaces for tunable spectral selectivity, sensing, or novel display technologies.

Keywords

• dielectric metasurfaces
• dynamic nanophotonics
• nonlocal response
• optical tuning
• surface lattice resonances