Ultra-broadband asymmetric light transmission and absorption through the use of metal free multilayer capped dielectric microsphere resonator

In this paper, we propose a simple design with an excellent performance to obtain high contrast in transmission asymmetry based on dielectric microspheres. Initially, we scrutinize the impact of the sphere radius on forward and backward transmissions. Afterward, by introducing a capping layer on top of the sphere, transmission response for the backward illuminated light will be blocked. In the next step, in order to replace the reflecting metal cap with a metal free absorbing design, we adopt a modeling approach based on the transfer matrix method (TMM) to explore an ideal material to achieve metal free perfect absorption in a multilayer configuration of material-insulator-material-insulator (MIMI). As a result of our investigations, it is found that Titanium Nitride (TiN) is an excellent alternative to replace metal in a MIMI multilayer stack. Setting this stack as the top capping coating, we obtain a high contrast between forward and backward light transmission where in an ultra-broadband range of 400 nm-1000 nm, forward transmission is above 0.85 while its backward response stays below 0.2. Moreover, due to the existence of multilayer stack, a high asymmetry is also observed for absorption profiles. This design has a relatively simple and large scale compatible fabrication route. © 2017 The Author(s).