Low divergence photonic nanojets from Si3N4 microdisks

High intensity sub-wavelength spots and low divergence nanojets are observed in a system of Si3N4 microdisks illuminated from the side with laser light of wavelengths 488 nm, 532 nm and 633 nm. The disks are of height 400 nm with diameters ranging from 1 mu m to 10 mu m. Light scattered from the disk and substrate is observed by imaging from above. In free space light is focused inside the disks and a sub wavelength spot is observed, whereas in water the refractive index contrast is such that photonic nanojets are formed. The angular distribution of the intensity compares well to the analytical solution for the case of an infinite cylinder. Two distinct cases of scattering pattern are observed with even and odd numbers of lobes. Finally when the disks are illuminated with a focused Gaussian beam perpendicular to the substrate an extremely low divergence beam is observed. This beam has a divergence angle over 10 times smaller than a focused Gaussian in free space with the same waist. (C) 2011 Optical Society of America