Method for manufacturing a device for forming at least one focused beam in a near zone

Abstract

The disclosure concerns a method for manufacturing a device for forming at least one focused beam in a near zone, from an electromagnetic wave incident on said device. The method includes depositing a dielectric material layer with a first refractive index on a substrate layer, creating at least one cavity by a microfabrication technique in the dielectric material layer, the device for forming at least one focused beam in a near zone of the substrate layer (110) and the dielectric material layer, filling the at least one cavity with a material having a second refractive index lower than the first refractive index, determining a deviation between a measured focused beam radiation angle obtained from the device for forming at least one focused beam in a near zone and an expected focused beam radiation angle and modifying locally at least one of the two refractive indexes according to the deviation.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a device that forms at least one focused beam in a near zone, from an electromagnetic wave incident on the device, the method comprising: depositing a dielectric material layer with a first refractive index on a substrate layer; forming at least one cavity by a microfabrication technique in the dielectric material layer deposited on the substrate layer; filling the at least one cavity with a material having a second refractive index lower than the first refractive index, wherein the device comprises the substrate layer and the dielectric material layer having the at least one cavity filled with the material; determining a deviation between a measured radiation angle of a near-zone focused beam obtained from the device and an expected focused beam radiation angle; and modifying locally at least one of the first refractive index and the second refractive index to adjust a radiation angle of the near-zone focused beam to reduce the determined deviation.

2. The method for manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein the microfabrication technique is selected from the group consisting of optical lithography and e-beam lithography.

3. The method for manufacturing according to claim 1, further comprising depositing a superstrate layer on the dielectric material layer.

4. The method for manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cavity is a through-hole in the dielectric material layer.

5. The method for manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cavity surrounds an element within the dielectric material layer.

6. The method for manufacturing according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cavity is targeted to be cylindrical or cone-shaped.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein when the measured radiation angle of the near-zone focused beam is to be decreased, locally doping the dielectric material layer to increase the value of a first dielectric index of the dielectric material layer.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein when the measured radiation angle of the near-zone focused beam is to be increased, locally doping the material filling the at least one cavity to increase the value of a second dielectric index of the material.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one cavity is configured such that the near-zone focused beam is formed by the device in response to the incident electromagnetic wave.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein, when the determined deviation is positive, the modifying comprises locally doping the dielectric material layer to modify a value of the first refractive index of the dielectric material layer.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein, when the determined deviation is negative, the modifying comprises locally doping the material filling the at least one cavity to modify a value of the second refractive index of the material.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the modifying comprises using at least one technique selected from the group consisting of neutron irradiation, chemical vapor deposition, and partial polymerization.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the radiation angle of the near-zone focused beam is a direction at which the near-zone focused beam is directed.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the radiation angle of the near-zone focused beam is an angle between the dielectric material layer and a direction of the near-zone focused beam.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The above and other aspects of the invention will become more apparent by the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings in which:

(2) FIGS. 1 (a), (b), (c) and (d) are schematic drawings illustrating operational principles of refractive, diffractive lenses, nanojet microlenses, and terajet solid cuboid lenses;

(3) FIGS. 2(a), (b), and (c) is a schematic drawing of a nanojet beam(s) produced by a dielectric layer with a step, with FIG. 2(a) a side view and FIGS. 2(b) and 2(c) top views according to two alternate embodiments;

(4) FIGS. 3(a), (b), and (c) are schematic drawings of the field intensity distribution in the imaging plane for three exemplary cylindrical cavities with different cross-sections illuminated by a plane wave propagating along z-axis, i.e. from the plane of the figure;

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates the topology and notations of a cavity formed in a layer of dielectric material according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

(6) FIGS. 5 (a). (b), (c), (d), and (e) illustrate the formation of a nanojet beam by the hollow cylindrical cavity of FIG. 4, having a circular cross-section, when illuminated by a plane wave at different wavelengths (n.sub.1=1.49, n.sub.2=1);

(7) FIGS. 6 and 7 provide an analysis of the nanojet beam radiation angle of FIGS. 5(a) to 5(e);

(8) FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) illustrate the complex electromagnetic phenomenon underlying at least some embodiments of the present disclosure;

(9) FIGS. 9 (a), (b), and (c) illustrate near-field maps of the nanojet beam produced by hollow cylindrical cavities of different heights when illuminated by a unit-amplitude plane wave from below according to embodiments of the present disclosure (n.sub.1=1.49, n.sub.2=1);

(10) FIGS. 10(a), (b), (c), and (d) show nanojet beams produced by a hollow cylindrical cavity under different angles of incidence of the unit-amplitude E.sub.y plane wave in XZ-plane (n.sub.1=1.49, n.sub.2=1);

(11) FIGS. 11(a) and (b) illustrate the nanojet beams phenomenon as observed for different host media according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

(12) FIGS. 12(a), (b), (c), and (d) show four exemplary cylindrical cavities each having a different shape of the cross-section boundary, namely: (a) circular, (b) square, (c) 8-shape, and (d) rectangular, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

(13) FIGS. 13(a), (b), (c), and (d) show the corresponding simulated near-field maps for each cavity of FIG. 12;

(14) FIGS. 14(a) and (b) presents schematic drawing of the cavity transformation from a single-core cylinder (FIG. 14(a)) to a double-layer ring-type structure with a core filled in with the host medium according (FIG. 14(b)) to one embodiment of the disclosure. The arrows schematically indicate propagation directions for the nanojet beams originating from different segments of the cavity base edge line;

(15) FIGS. 15 (a) and (b) present the topology and notations of the ring-type nanojet lens according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

(16) FIGS. 16(a), (b), (c), and (d) present a ring-type nanojet lens according to one embodiment of the disclosure (n.sub.1=1, n.sub.2=1.49): (a) Side view and notations, (b) Power density distribution along z-axis for the lens with dimensions L.sub.z=740 nm, R.sub.1=370 nm, W=500 nm, (c, d) Power density distribution in the xz (y=0) and xy (z=80 nm from top surface) planes;

(17) FIGS. 17(a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) present near-field characteristics of the ring-type nanojet lens according to one embodiment of the disclosure, with dimensions R.sub.1=370 nm, W=500 nm, refractive indexes n.sub.1=1, n.sub.2=1.49, and variable height illuminated by a unit-amplitude plane wave with λ.sub.0=550 nm: (a) Power density distribution along z-axis, (b-e) Power density distribution in xz (y=0) plane for the lens height of L.sub.z=370, 550, 740, and 1100 nm;

(18) FIGS. 18(a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) present the power density distribution for the ring-type nanojet lens according to one embodiment of the disclosure, with dimensions L.sub.z=740 nm, R.sub.1=370 nm, W=500 nm and refractive indexes (n.sub.1=1, n.sub.2=1.49) illuminated by a unit-amplitude plane wave with λ.sub.0=550 nm under different incident angles: (a) along the x-axis (y=z=0), (b-e) in xz-plane for incident angles of 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, respectively;

(19) FIGS. 19(a), (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) present different nanojet beams produced by ring-type lens, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, with dimensions L.sub.z=740 nm, R.sub.1=370 nm, refractive indexes (n.sub.1=1, n.sub.2=1.49) and variable width of the ring illuminated by a unit-amplitude plane wave with λ.sub.0=550 nm: (a) power density distribution along z-axis, (b) maximum value of the power density along z-axis (curve referenced 190, left axis) and focal distance (curve referenced 191, right axis) versus width of the ring, (c-f) power density distributions in the xz-plane for W=250, 500, 750, and 1000 nm;

(20) FIGS. 20(a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) present different power density distributions for the ring-type nanojet lens, according to one embodiment of the disclosure, with dimensions R.sub.1=370 nm, L.sub.z=370 nm, refraction indexes (n.sub.1=1, n.sub.2=1.49), and variable width of the ring illuminated by a unit amplitude plane wave with λ.sub.0=550 nm: (a) along z-axis, (b-e) in xz-plane for W=125, 250, 370, and 500 nm, respectively;

(21) FIGS. 21(a), (b), and (c) present different normalized power density distributions in the xz-plane for the ring-type nanojet lens with dimensions R.sub.1=370 nm, L.sub.z=370 nm, W=500 nm, refraction indexes (n.sub.1=1, n.sub.2=1.49), and variable ring width illuminated by a unit-amplitude plane wave: (a) λ.sub.0=450 nm, (b) λ.sub.0=550 nm, (c) λ.sub.0=650 nm;

(22) FIGS. 22(a), (b), and (c) present, for the same wavelength of FIG. 21, different normalized power density distributions in the xz-plane for the ring-type nanojet lens with dimensions R.sub.1=370 nm, L.sub.z=740 nm, W=500 nm and refraction indexes (n.sub.1=1, n.sub.2=1.49) illuminated by a unit-amplitude plane wave: (a) λ.sub.0=450 nm, (b) λ.sub.0=550 nm, (c) λ.sub.0=650 nm;

(23) FIGS. 23(a), (b), (c). and (d) presents (a) a geometry of the ring-type nanojet lens with circular and square rings, (b) the power density distribution along z-axis for the ring-type nanojet lenses with circular and rectangular cross-sections and dimension of L.sub.z=740 nm, R.sub.1=370 nm, L.sub.x=L.sub.y=2(R.sub.1+W) illuminated by a unit-amplitude plane wave with λ.sub.0=550 nm, (c,d) power density distributions for both lenses in the xz-plane;

(24) FIGS. 24(a) and (b) disclose the contour plots of the power density in a fixed point (0,0,100 nm) located close to the ring-type lens top surface versus lens core radius and height. The lens has a fixed width is of the ring W=500 nm and is illuminated by a unit-amplitude plane wave. The refraction indexes of the media: (a) n.sub.1=1, n.sub.2=1.49, (b) n.sub.1=2.0;

(25) FIG. 25 presents different topologies of the exemplary ring-type nanojet lenses;

(26) FIGS. 26 (a), (b), (c), and (d) present power density distribution in xz and xy-planes for the ring-type nanojet lenses (L.sub.z=740 nm, W=500 nm, n.sub.1=1, n.sub.2=1.49) with different cross-sections of the core cylinder illuminated by a unit-amplitude plane wave λ.sub.0=550 nm: (a) circle: R.sub.1=370 nm, (b) square: L.sub.x=L.sub.y=2R.sub.1, (c) 8-shape: R.sub.1=370 nm with a distance between the centers d=R.sub.1, (d) rectangle: L.sub.x=8R.sub.1, L.sub.y=2R.sub.1;

(27) FIG. 27 presents different power density distribution along z-axis (x=y=0) for the ring-type nanojet lenses with different cross-sections of the core cylinder presented in FIG. 26;

(28) FIGS. 28(a), (b), (c), and (d) present different power density distributions along xz and yz-axis for the ring-type nanojet lenses with different cross-sections presented in FIG. 25;

(29) FIG. 29 presents a schematic drawing of a use scenario of a nanojet focusing component (or device for forming at least one focused beam in a near zone) according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

(30) FIG. 30 presents two different views of a second element according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

(31) FIG. 31 presents a second element according to one embodiment of the disclosure whose base edge line comprises (at least) two pairs of opposite edge line segments contributing to creation of (at least) two nanojet beams;

(32) FIG. 32 presents the intersection of a part of the device according to the disclosure by a plane that is parallel to the propagation direction of an incident electromagnetic wave (and more precisely in that case with a normal incident electromagnetic wave with regards to the bottom of dielectric layer);

(33) FIGS. 33(a), (b), (c), and (d) present different resulting intersections of a part of the device according to the disclosure, by a plane that is parallel to the propagation of an electromagnetic wave (and more precisely in that case with a normal incident electromagnetic magnetic wave with regards to the bottom of dielectric layer);

(34) FIGS. 34(a), (b), and (c) present schematic drawings of the nanojet beams produced by a device (or ring-type nanojet element), according to one embodiment of the disclosure, that is illuminated by a unit-amplitude plane wave: (a) which is incident from below, along z-axis, (b) which is incident from left, along x-axis. The arrows from the first element indicate the nanojet beams. FIG. 34(c) presents the power density distribution in xz-plane when the device according to one embodiment of the disclosure (i.e. comprising the ring structure) is illuminated from the left (along x axis);

(35) FIG. 35(a) present a CAD model of a hollow ring-type NJ element having a form of a double-layer circular cylinder (R.sub.1=300 nm, R.sub.2=700 nm, H=500 nm) created in glass plate (n1=1.5 nm) placed on top of a photoresist layer (n2=1.7);

(36) FIG. 35(b) presents a normalized field intensity in YZ-plane when illuminated by a plane wave (λ.sub.0=365 nm) from above, FIG. 35(c) presents a normalized field intensity distribution along X and Y axes at Z=−100 nm, and FIG. 35(d) presents a normalized field intensity distribution along Z-axis;

(37) FIGS. 36(a) and (b) present (a) a normalized field intensity in XZ-plane for the ring-type NJ microlens illuminated by a plane wave (λ=365 nm) under 20° if defined with respect to the vertical axis, and (b) a normalized field intensity distribution along X-axis at Y=0 nm, Z=−100 nm for two different incident angles of the plane wave. Parameters of the structure are the same as in FIG. 35;

(38) FIGS. 37(a) and (b) illustrate a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, according to which the focusing component is based on a 2×2 planar array of identical hollow cuboid-shaped cavities embedded in a host medium;

(39) FIGS. 38(a) and (b) illustrate an alternate embodiment, in which the hollow cuboid-shaped cavities of FIG. 35 are replaced with hollow circular cylinders, oriented along the plane wave propagation direction;

(40) FIGS. 39(a) and (b) illustrate yet another embodiment, in which a 2×2 array of hollow circular cylinders is created at the boundary of the dielectric medium and free space;

(41) FIGS. 40(a) and (b) provide two additional exemplary embodiments based on single-periodic (FIG. 40(a)) and double-periodic (FIG. 40(b)) arrays of hollow cylinders embedded in a host medium;

(42) FIGS. 41(a) and (b) present (a) a ray trace through a thin plate of nano-elements where the far-field if a narrow focused light-bundle (lens), and (b) presents a spot diagram of the focused beam showing the large extend of the spot (with a root mean square (rms) radius spot size of 137 microns);

(43) FIG. 42(a) presents a ray trace through a corrected thin plate of nano-elements;

(44) FIG. 42(b) presents a spot diagram of the focused beam showing the large extend of the spot (where rms spot size radius is of 3.4 μm, because of the gradient index correcting the far-field); and

(45) FIG. 43 presents a radial variation of the index of refraction according to the value of the radial distance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(46) In one embodiment of the disclosure, in order to overcome the limitations mentioned in the background section, a technique for the near-field focusing and beam forming based on the use of a hollow structure is proposed.

(47) Indeed, the inventors of the present disclosure have reached the conclusion that diffraction of a plane electromagnetic wave on a dielectric object having an abrupt change level of its surface, also called a step, can result in the formation of condensed optical beams (so-called nanojets), that occur in a vicinity to the step, and are oriented towards the medium with higher refractive index value. The number of beams and shape of each individual beam can be controlled by the variation of the step size and shape of the step edge line, whereas the beam radiation angle and the field intensity enhancement in each individual beam can be controlled by the variation of the refraction index ratio at the boundary of the object in the vicinity of the step and the step base angle.

(48) Unlike the well-known diffracted beams predicted by the Fresnel theory, the nanojet beams are low-dispersive (they show no or small wavelength dependence). Moreover, the nanojet focusing component (or device) according to the present disclosure can produce multiple independent beams (having identical or non-identical shape), which is not possible with Fresnel diffractive lenses. These unique features make the nanojet-based focusing component (or device) according to the present disclosure attractive for many today and future applications.

(49) FIGS. 2 to 11 allow understanding the physical phenomena explaining the formation of nanojet beams according to the present disclosure.

(50) FIG. 2 illustrates a technique, where an abrupt change occurs in the level of the surface of a dielectric layer 112, thus forming a step in the layer. FIG. 2(a) shows a side view of the dielectric layer 112. FIGS. 2(b) and 2(c) respectively show top views in case of a step with a straight (FIG. 2(b)) and curved (FIG. 2(c)) edge lines.

(51) As shown in FIG. 2(a), the device is illuminated by a plane wave 20, incident on the device from below along z-axis with a propagation vector being orthogonal to the base surface of the dielectric layer 112. As schematically shown by the dashed arrows in FIGS. 2(b) and 2(c), a nanojet beam 55 originates from the base edge of the step, which comprises a horizontal part 120 and a lateral part 121 (which may also be tilted with respect to the z-axis forming an arbitrary base angle).

(52) Spots referenced 22 to 24 indicate the corresponding hot spots in the near-field distribution formed in the imaging plane 21. The specific field distribution with two hot spots 23, 24 observed in FIG. 2(c) is associated with the shape of the step edge line having two concave segments responsible for the formation of the two independent nanojet beams.

(53) It should be noted that the boundary curvature of the cavity is a tool for changing the nanojet beam shape, position and field intensity enhancement level.

(54) FIG. 3, which presents a schematic drawing of the field intensity distribution in the imaging plane 21 for three exemplary cylindrical cavities with different cross-sections. More precisely, FIG. 3(a) shows a cavity 111a with a circular cross-section: the dashed arrows schematically show that nanojet beams originate from the base edge of this cavity 111a. The ring 551 indicates the hot spot in the near-field distribution formed due to the nanojet beams associated with different segments of the circular base edge line.

(55) FIG. 3(b) shows a non-symmetric cavity 111b, whose cross-section in xy-plane is somehow triangular, but with one of the three edges of the triangle which is concave. Such a circa triangular cavity 111b creates three spots 552, 553 and 554, one of which (554) is enhanced, thanks to the concave face.

(56) FIG. 3(c) shows a cavity, which is arbitrary-shaped with five straight or concave segments. Spots 555 to 559 indicate the hot spots in the near-field distribution formed due to the nanojet beams originating from the base edge of the step, as schematically shown by the dashed arrows. The specific field distribution with five hot spots observed in FIG. 3(c) is linked to the specific shape of the edge line having five straight or concave segments responsible for the formation of five independent nanojet beams.

(57) FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure, according to which the step formed at the surface of a layer of dielectric material is in fact the edge of a cavity made in the layer of dielectric material 112. The present disclosure is of course not limited to such an embodiment, and any abrupt change of level at the surface of the dielectric material is sufficient for generating the physical phenomenon, which will be described hereafter. Such a step can indeed be considered as the edge of a cavity of infinite size.

(58) It must be understood that, in case of a cavity, the focusing function is to be associated not with the entire structure, but with an elementary segment of the step discontinuity. The other segments of the step discontinuity will contribute to the formation of other nanojet beams that may form all together (i) a wide uniform “blade like” nanojet beam as in case of an infinite step (FIG. 2(b)), or (ii) a ring in case of an arbitrary-large circular cylindrical cavity (FIG. 3(a)), or (iii) an arbitrary number of localized beams of different shapes produced by a curvilinear edge of an arbitrary-shaped cavity (FIGS. 3b and 3c).

(59) For sake of simplicity, we therefore focus hereafter on the example of a cavity formed in the layer of dielectric material 112, like the one illustrated in FIG. 4.

(60) As may be observed, such a cavity is cylindrical, with a cross-section of arbitrary shape. By cylindrical cavity, it is meant here, and throughout this document, a cavity which shape is a cylinder, i.e. a surface created by projecting a closed two-dimensional curve along an axis intersecting the plane of the curve. In other words, such a cylinder is not limited to a right circular cylinder but covers any type of cylinder, notably, but not exclusively, a cuboid or a prism for example.

(61) The cavity may also have the form of a cone. Its main axis may be orthogonal to the surface of the bottom of the cavity, or be tilted. Due to the fabrication tolerance, the cavities may also have imperfect shapes, and it must be understood, for example, that cavities targeted to be shaped as cylinders, may become cone-shaped cavities with S-shape cross-sections during the manufacturing process.

(62) More generally, such cavities are formed as cylinders or cones with an arbitrary cross-section, which can be adapted (optimized) in order to produce a desired near-field pattern, i.e. a desired field intensity distribution in the xy-plane (typically orthogonal to the incident wave propagation direction). This pattern may have one or multiple hot spots with identical (or different) field intensity level.

(63) Non-symmetric cavities are also possible. For example, a cavity which cross-section in the xy-plane is triangular will create three spots. One of them can be enhanced if the corresponding face is concave, as will be explained in greater detail in relation to the figures.

(64) FIG. 4 gives some notations, which will be used hereafter in the document. As may be observed, the cavity is immersed in a host medium Media 1 noted 112 of refractive index n.sub.1, and is filled with a material (air, gas, dielectric, polymer material . . . ) Media 2 of refractive index n.sub.2, such that n.sub.2<n.sub.1.

(65) For example, the cavity can have a form of a circular cylinder filled in with vacuum (n.sub.2=1) and embedded in a homogeneous non-dispersive dielectric medium with an example refractive index n.sub.1=1.49 and illuminated by a linearly-polarized unit-amplitude plane wave E.sub.y=1 (V/m) propagating in the positive z-axis direction (see FIG. 4 for notations).

(66) FIG. 5 illustrates the formation of a nanojet beam by such a cavity when illuminated by this plane wave. More precisely, FIGS. 5(a) to 5(e) each correspond to a different wavelength of the incident electromagnetic wave, namely λ.sub.0=450, 500, 550, 600 and 650 nm, and show near-field maps in the XZ-plane plotted in terms of the power density characterized by the time average Poynting vector defined as:

(67) $\begin{array}{cc}P=E_m^2/2\eta \approx 1.3{\mathrm{nE}}_m^2\left[\frac{\mathrm{mW}}{m^2}\right],& \left(\mathrm{equation}1\right)\end{array}$
where E.sub.m is the amplitude of the E-field, η is the wave impedance in a host medium and n is the host medium refractive index. Note that according to equation (1), the power density value associated with a unit-amplitude plane wave propagating in a dielectric host medium with a refractive index n is equal

(68) $P_0\approx 1.3n\left[\frac{\mathrm{mW}}{m^2}\right].$
Hereafter, this value is considered as a reference for the definition of the relative field intensity enhancement (FIE) achieved using different types of nanojet lenses embedded in the corresponding host media:
FIE=P/P.sub.0[a.u.]  (equation 2)
where P is the simulated power density characterized by the time average Poynting vector and P.sub.0 is the reference power density of the unit-amplitude plane wave propagating in the same host medium.

(69) As may be observed in FIG. 5, the shape of the nanojet beam and its direction remain stable in a wide wavelength range. The detailed analysis of the nanojet beam radiation angle is reported in FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG. 6 illustrates the Poynting vector in the XZ-plane at three different planes defined as z=z.sub.0−L.sub.z, for the five different wavelengths of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 illustrates the nanojet beam radiation angle calculated based on the positions of maxima in FIG. 6 as a function of wavelength.

(70) These data extracted from near-field maps reveal that the variation of the nanojet beam radiation angle does not exceed 3° for the wavelength range from at least 450 to 750 nm. As it is seen in FIG. 6, the major contribution to the angle variation comes from the beam tilt above the cylinder (z.sub.0=1500 nm, where z.sub.0 is a relative position of the imaging plane defined with respect to the cavity bottom, i.e. z.sub.0=z−L.sub.z), whereas the beam shape (at z.sub.0=500 nm) remains stable for the entire wavelength range. Such a behavior is not typical for Fresnel-type diffractive lenses and thus requires detailed explanations.

(71) The origins of the nanojet beams can be explained by the combination of three electromagnetic phenomena, which occur in the vicinity of the base edge of the hollow cavity (or more generally in the vicinity of the abrupt change of level in the surface of the dielectric material), namely: diffraction from the index-step discontinuity associated with the base 120 of the cavity (or, more generally with the surface of lower level of a step formed in the host medium), refraction of the diffracted wave at the vertical edge 121 of the cavity (or more generally on the lateral surface of the step), and interference of the refracted wave and the incident plane wave outside the cavity (or more generally in the host medium).

(72) A schematic drawing illustrating these three phenomena is given in FIG. 8. As in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, we assume that host media is an optically-transparent non-dispersive dielectric material with a refractive index n.sub.1=1.49 (e.g. plastic or glass) and the cavity is filled with vacuum or air, n.sub.2=1. The incident plane wave arrives from below in the diagram.

(73) The key elements of the complex electromagnetic phenomena illustrated in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) are the following: The incident plane wave induces currents at the dielectric-air boundary 120 associated with the cavity base (or more generally when reaching the step of index in the host medium induced by the abrupt change of level in its surface); These induced currents are considered as Huygens secondary sources 50 to 53; In line with the diffraction theory, the spherical waves 54 radiated by the Huygens sources cause some power leakage towards the ‘shadow region’, i.e. beyond the lateral boundary 121 of the cavity; While crossing the lateral (vertical) boundary, the waves radiated by the Huygens sources experience refraction that causes a tilt of the refracted wave on a certain angle in accordance with the Snell-Descartes's law. In FIG. 8(b), we can notice that outside the cavity the wave fronts coincide for different Huygens source positions along the cavity base line, thus creating a local field enhancement. The planar shape of these fronts evidences for the creation of a directive beam propagating out of the cavity. Finally, outside the cavity the refracted wave is constructively interfering 56, 57 with the plane wave incident from below giving rise to the nanojet beam 55.

(74) The nanojet beam creation is hence explained by phenomena that are non-dispersive in nature, namely (i) edge diffraction, (ii) refraction of the wave at the interface of two dielectric media, and (iii) interference. This explains why the shape of the beam and its radiation angle remain stable versus wavelength, as may be observed in FIGS. 5(a) to 5(e).

(75) Moreover, the nanojet beam radiation angle is defined by the Snell's law and, thus, is only a function of two parameters: ratio between the refraction indexes of the host media and cavity materials, and the base angle of the cavity. For sake of simplicity, in the foregoing, we only consider a cavity with the base angle equal 90° thus having a cylindrical shape with vertical edges.

(76) Last, the nanojet beam-forming phenomenon is associated with the edge (not a full aperture) of the cavity and occurs in the 2-D vertical plane orthogonal to the cavity cross-section (see FIG. 4 for notations).

(77) As follows from FIG. 8(b), the main contribution to the formation of the planar wave front of the refracted wave outside the cavity comes from the Huygens sources 50-53 located close to the lateral edge 121 of the cavity. Because of this, the refraction angle of the wave radiated outward the cavity is close to the critical angle for the wave incident on the same boundary from outside (FIG. 8(a)):
θ.sub.1≈θ.sub.TIR  (equation 3)
where θ.sub.TIR=sin.sup.−1(n.sub.2/n.sub.1) is the critical angle for a diopter with indices n.sub.1 and n.sub.2.

(78) The nanojet beam 55 is finally created as a result of the interference between the refracted wave and the plane wave incident from below. Thus, the angle of radiation of the nanojet beam (θ.sub.B) is defined by a vector sum of the two waves as schematically shown in FIG. 8(a). These considerations lead one to the following approximate formula for the radiation angle of the nanojet beam:

(79) $\begin{array}{cc}{\theta }_B\approx \left(\frac{\pi }{2}-{\theta }_{\mathrm{TIR}}\right)/2& \left(\mathrm{equation}4\right)\end{array}$

(80) According to equation (4), in the case of a host medium with index n.sub.1=1.49 (θ.sub.TIR=41.8°), the nanojet beam radiation angle should be θ.sub.B˜24° that is slightly larger than observed in the full-wave simulations (see FIG. 5). This difference is explained by the assumptions made in the qualitative analysis. First, this analysis does not take into account the difference in the amplitude of the diffracted/refracted wave and the incident plane waves. Second, it does not take into account the rays launched by the Huygens sources located close to the cavity edge from outside that experience the total internal reflection on the cavity lateral edge. Being totally reflected, these rays also contribute to the formation of nanojet beam. Note that these two effects are related to the total internal reflection phenomenon and thus cannot be accurately characterized using Snell/Fresnel model. Nevertheless, these both effects (i) depend on the ratio of refraction indexes of the two media and (ii) result in reducing the nanojet radiation angle. Thus, the actual nanojet radiation angle can be smaller than that predicted by equation (4).

(81) FIGS. 8(a) to 8(c) illustrate near-field maps of the nanojet beam produced by cylindrical cavities (n.sub.1=1.49, n.sub.2=1, R=370 nm) of different heights ((a) H=L.sub.z=370 nm, (b) H=L.sub.z=740 nm, (c) H=L.sub.z=1110 nm) when illuminated by a unit-amplitude plane wave from below. As may be observed, the nanojet phenomenon is well pronounced for the cavity size varying from about one to a few wavelengths in the host medium, namely ½λ.sub.1<L.sub.z<3λ.sub.1.

(82) The minimum height is needed to form the planar wave front 60 illustrated in FIG. 8(b) that gives rise to the nanojet beam. However, the height of the cavity (or the height of the step) should not be too large as compared to the length of the nanojet beam, in order for it to be useful outside the focusing component or device.

(83) As shown on FIGS. 9(a) to 9(c), the length of the nanojet beam can vary from a few to several wavelengths in the host medium depending on the cavity shape and size.

(84) Based on the 2-D ray-tracing analysis of FIG. 8(b), the main contribution in the formation of the nanojet beam comes from the feeds located close to the cavity lateral surface (or to the lateral part of the step). The corresponding ‘effective aperture’ responsible for the formation of the nanojet beam is estimated as about one half of the wavelength in the medium inside the cavity (½λ.sub.2) that is to be counted from the lateral edge inward the cavity. For the cavity having arbitrary shape, this aperture is to be defined along the line orthogonal to the cavity edge line, S in a plane orthogonal to the incident wave propagation direction (see FIG. 4).

(85) In 2-D case (which may correspond to any vertical cross-section, e.g. in xz-plane), the local field intensity enhancement (FIE) achieved thanks to the nanojet beam formation is about a factor of 2 compared to the incident plane wave (see formula (2) for the definition). A larger FIE can be achieved by modifying the shape of the cavity cross-section and, in particular, the shape of the cavity edge line 5, as will be explained hereafter in greater details.

(86) The nanojet beam width at half power (BWHP) can vary from about ½λ.sub.1 (that is order of the diffraction limit) to several wavelengths and more depending on the shape of the cavity.

(87) FIGS. 10(a) to 10(d) show nanojet beams produced by a hollow cylindrical cavity (n.sub.1=1.49, n.sub.2=1, L.sub.z=740 nm, R=370 nm) under different angles of incidence of the unit-amplitude plane wave in XZ-plane, namely θ=0° in FIG. 10(a), θ=10° in FIG. 10(b), θ=20° in FIGS. 10(c) and θ=30° in FIG. 10(d).

(88) The symmetry of the near-field patterns in the XY-plane (see FIG. 10(a)) evidences that the beam shape and radiation angle remain nearly constant for both TE (Transverse Electric) and TM (Transverse Magnetic) polarizations of the incident wave.

(89) Moreover, in case of an incline incidence, it may be observed in FIG. 10 that the beam radiation angle changes in correspondence to the angle of incidence of the plane wave. The shape of the beam and field intensity enhancement remain nearly constant for incidence angle up to about θ.sub.B.

(90) FIG. 11 illustrates the nanojet beams phenomenon as observed for different host media, including standard optical plastics and standard or doped glass. Such nanojet beams are produced by a hollow circular cylindrical cavity having the same physical dimensions (n.sub.2=1, L.sub.z=740 nm, R=370 nm) but embedded in a host medium of refractive index n.sub.1=1.49, in FIG. 11 (a) and n.sub.1=2.0, in FIG. 11(b).

(91) The understanding of the nanojet formation phenomena illustrated through FIGS. 2 to 11 allows designing interesting devices, which can be used as focusing components, beam-forming components, or more generally components (or device) for forming any desired field intensity distribution in the near zone. Such components may be used for transforming an incident plane wave into one or multiple independent beams, or, conversely, for transforming an incident wave beam (whatever its wavelength) into a locally plane wave, in accordance with the symmetrical path properties of electromagnetic waves.

(92) As explained above in the present disclosure, the formation of the nanojet beams is associated with the lateral part of the step in the layer of dielectric material, or with the lateral edge of the cavity, but not its full aperture. By optimizing the shape of the cross-section of the cavity S, it is possible to control the shape of the nanojet beam(s) produced by this cavity.

(93) FIG. 12 shows four exemplary cylindrical cavities having each a different shape of the cross-section boundary, namely: (a) circular, (b) square, (c) 8-shape, and (d) rectangular. The dashed arrows schematically show some vertical cut planes and directions of the generated nanojet beams when these cavities are illuminated by a plane wave propagating along z-axis, from the plane of the figures. These cut planes are defined with respect to the direction of the normal vectors defined at the corresponding points of the cavity cross-section boundary. The corresponding simulated near-field maps for each cavity are shown in FIGS. 13(a) to 13(d), which illustrate the power density distribution in xz-plane (y=0) and xy-plane (z=1000 nm−z.sub.0) for hollow cavities (L.sub.z=L.sub.x=R=740 nm), having same height and radius but different cross-section shapes, illuminated by a unit-amplitude plane wave propagation in the positive z-axis direction: (a) circular, (b) square, (c) 8-shape, (d) rectangular. The spots 101 to 104 in the xy-plane identify the nanojet beams, whose shapes and positions are well in line with the predictions given in FIG. 12 (these near-field maps are computed at arbitrary-selected xy-plane z.sub.0=1000 nm, defined with respect to the cavity base plane).

(94) In particular, FIG. 13(a) shows that the axially-symmetrical circular cavity produces a diverging conical beam, whose cross-sections in the vertical (xz) and horizontal (xy) planes are shown in FIG. 13(a) top and bottom figures, respectively. It is interesting to note that this conical beam is nearly-symmetrical (see the near-field pattern in horizontal xy-plane), which is an evidence for the polarization-insensitive behavior of such component (or device). The field intensity enhancement observed in this configuration is a factor of two, i.e. FIE≈2 a.u. (defined in accordance with equation 2).

(95) FIGS. 13(b) and 13(c) show how the transformation of the cavity cross-section, S, from the circular shape to rectangular and 8-shape causes the formation of multi-beam near-field patterns with four (referenced 104) and two (referenced 103) nanojet beams, respectively. This beam-forming effect is related to the transformation of the boundary segments from a convex shape to a planar shape and then to concave shape, respectively. The beams observed in FIGS. 13(b) and 13(c) have a radiation angle similar to the one of the conical beam produced by the circular cylinder (FIG. 13(a)). At the same time, the width of the beams in terms of the azimuth angle is different. The larger the internal angle of the concave segment of the cavity cross-section boundary, S, the narrower the beam and the higher the field intensity. In particular, the FIE for the two cavities presented in FIGS. 13(b) (square shape) and 13(c) (rectangular shape) is equal to ˜2.5 a.u. and ˜2.8 a.u., respectively.

(96) Finally, FIG. 13(d) shows a wide blade-like nanojet beam generated by the hollow rectangular cavity. This example demonstrates the possibility to form wide beams that can be of interest for certain applications requiring uniform illumination of narrow shaped areas.

(97) The boundary curvature of the cavity is hence a tool for changing the nanojet beam shape, position and field intensity enhancement.

(98) The same approach can be used to build more complex components with symmetrical or non-symmetrical cross-sections producing an arbitrary number of identical or different nanojet beams, as depicted in FIG. 3.

(99) However, the nanojet focusing components (or devices) previously described in FIGS. 2 to 12 have some constrains related to the limited field intensity enhancement and fixed radiation angle of the nanojet beam that need to be improved in order to make the nanojet components (also named nanojet lenses or devices) capable of reproducing the focusing functions of their conventional analogs, such as refractive and diffractive microlenses.

(100) In one embodiment of the disclosure, it is proposed to transform the configuration of the cavity in such a way that all the nanojet beams, originating from different segments of the cavity cross-section boundary, recombine and contribute to the formation of a single high-intensity nanojet beam located on the axis of symmetry of the cavity and oriented along this axis, i.e. with no tilt compared to the incident plane wave.

(101) In order to achieve this, it is proposed to use a device comprising at least one layer of a dielectric material comprising at least partially a first element (for example having the shape of a cylinder or a cuboid as depicted in FIG. 23(a)), such first element having a first refractive index value, such first element comprising at least partially a second element (for example having the shape of a cylinder, or other shapes as depicted in FIG. 25), such second element having a second refractive index value greater than the first index value, and wherein the second element comprises at least a base surface, defined with respect to an arrival direction of an electromagnetic wave, and wherein the at least a base surface comprises at least two opposite edge line segments (see for example the FIG. 30) whose shape (for example the curvature) and associated base angles between the at least a base surface and a lateral surface of the second element, in a vertical plane with respect to said at least a base surface, control a shape of at least one focused beam (see for example the FIG. 30).

(102) It should be noted that the intensity of the at least one focused beam is defined by the length of the two corresponding edge line segments of the at least a base surface.

(103) As schematically shown in FIG. 14(b), the desired effect can be achieved by exchanging the index values inside and outside the cylinder. The additional advantages of the proposed ring-type structure include the natural solutions of the problems related to setting the lens in space (that is a critical drawback of the microspheres (FIG. 1(c)) and SCL (FIG. 1(d)) and its possible fabrication using standard optical materials and established planar microfabrication technologies. It should be noted that a nanojet beam generated via the edge of a step propagates in the direction of the media having the higher refractive index value.

(104) A general topology of the ring-type nanojet lens is illustrated in FIGS. 15 (a) and (b). It has a form of a double-layer cylinder with an arbitrary cross-section embedded in a homogeneous non-dispersive dielectric host medium. Hereafter, we assume that the core of the cylinder has refractive index n.sub.2>n.sub.1 and that it is made of a material having the same refractive index as the host media, n.sub.2=n.sub.3=n.sub.4. Hence, contrary to the embodiment previously described, the values of the refractive indexes are changed (i.e. previously, we have n.sub.1>n.sub.2 (see FIG. 14(a)), and in such embodiment, we have n.sub.2>n.sub.1 (see FIG. 14(b)).

(105) For instance, the host media may have a refractive index similar to the one of glass or plastic in the optical range (e.g. n.sub.2=1.49) with a ring-type cavity filled in with vacuum or air, n.sub.1=1.

(106) In principle, the cylinder cross-section boundaries S.sub.1 (core cylinder) and S.sub.2 (external cylinder) can have any shape (symmetrical or non-symmetrical). The impact the size and shape of each boundary is investigated later in the description. In one embodiment of the disclosure, the cylindrical structures could be oblique and/or truncated and/or comprise a rounded top surface.

(107) Hereafter, we consider cylindrical structures with vertical edges parallel to z-axis and top/bottom surface parallel to xy-plane. However, as mentioned previously, some conical and prismatic structures with arbitrary base angles can also be used. The variation of the base angles associated with different segments of the base edge line can be used to produce nanojet beams with different radiation angles. This option is not discussed here, but one skilled in the art could handle that question according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

(108) In one of its embodiments, the ring-type nanojet lens can be implemented in a form of a double-layer circular cylinder. In the following analysis, we assume that its core is filled in with a material same as the host medium (n.sub.2=n.sub.3=1.49 for instance) and the outer shell (the cavity) is filled in with vacuum or air (n.sub.1=1).

(109) Under the above assumption (i.e. double-layer circular cylindrical shape and pre-selected host medium material), configuration of a ring-type nanojet lens is controlled by three parameters, namely: its height along z-axis (L.sub.z) and radii of the two cylindrical layers (R.sub.1 and R.sub.2=R.sub.1+W, where W is the width of the ring).

(110) Focal Length

(111) In a first approximation, the focal length of the ring-type nanojet lens can be derived as a function of the core radius, R.sub.1 and nanojet beam radiation angle, θ.sub.B, defined by equation (3). Under assumption that the nanojet radiation angle remains constant for any combination of the ring-type lens height and radii, the focal length of the ring-type lens can be estimated as:
F=R.sub.1/tan(θ.sub.B),  (equation 5)
where F is the distance from the lens bottom to the point with maximum field intensity (FIG. 16 (a)).

(112) According to equation (5), in case of a hollow (n.sub.1=1) ring-type nanojet lens embedded in a host medium with a refractive index n.sub.2=1.49, (θ.sub.TIR≈42°), the focal length is estimated as

(113) $F\approx R_1/\tan \left(\frac{90°-42°}{2}\right)\approx 2.25R_1.$

(114) As may be seen in FIG. 17, the actual value of the focal length (defined based on the position of a point with a maximum field intensity value) and the length of the nanojet beam can vary depending on the size and shape of the ring-type cavity. The family of four curves in FIG. 17(a) represents the power density distribution along z-axis for the ring-type lens having a fixed ring dimensions (R.sub.1=370 nm, W=500 nm) but different height along z-axis, defined by parameter L.sub.z. For the lens with a height smaller (or larger) than the focal length, the hot spot is observed closer (further) than expected, with the best agreement observed for the lens with height close to the focal length L.sub.z˜F. Note that all curves in FIG. 17(a) are superimposed in such a way that the lens base position coincides for all configurations).

(115) The increase of the beam length observed in FIG. 17 (a) is explained by the interplay between the nanojet and Fresnel-type focusing mechanisms. The contribution of the latter becomes noticeable because of the insufficient height of the cavity, which prevents formation of the nanojet beam (evidenced by a roughly twice smaller value of the peak power density).

(116) Angle of Incidence

(117) In case of an incline illumination, the nanojet beam angle tilts proportionally to the tilt of the incident wave propagation direction (see the FIG. 18).

(118) Ring Width, W

(119) The width of the ring-type cavity can alter characteristics of the nanojet beam. In particular, it can affect the focal length and beam shape of the ring-type nanojet lens.

(120) Although the nanojet beam formation is associated with the base edge of the cavity, there exists a finite-size effective aperture responsible for its formation (see dashed lines in FIG. 14(b)). This aperture extends to about one half of the wavelength in corresponding media on both sides from the lateral surface of the core cylinder. Thus, a minimum recommended width of the ring-type cavity is estimated as W≤½λ.sub.1, where λ.sub.1=λ.sub.0/n.sub.1.

(121) An oversized ring can also affect the nanojet beam formation because of two phenomena associated with the overall size of the ring-type cavity, namely: (i) internal reflections inside the ring-type cavity and (ii) Fresnel-type focusing effect associated with the diffracted waves originating from the top surface of the ring-type cavity. Empirical analysis suggests the upper limit of the width such as W≈3λ.sub.1. For larger rings, the contribution of the ring can become dominant, thus masking the nanojet phenomenon. However, if needed (e.g. for technological needs), the ring width can be enlarged rather arbitrarily without spoiling the nanojet phenomenon (FIG. 19a).

(122) Moreover, for each size (height and radius) of the core cylinder, the size of the ring-type cavity can be optimized in order to: increase the field intensity in the hot spot (FIG. 19), change the length of the nanojet beam (FIG. 20).

(123) Note that the effects related to the height and width of the ring-type are more narrowband than the nanojet beam phenomenon (FIGS. 21 and 22).

(124) Field Intensity Enhancement by Combining the Nanojet and Fresnel Focusing Effects

(125) The impact of the ring width on the maximum field intensity in the hot spot of the ring-type nanojet lens is illustrated in FIG. 19. Here, in FIG. 19 (a), one can see the power density distribution along z-axis for the lens with a fixed core size (L.sub.z=740 nm, R.sub.1=370 nm) and variable width of the ring. For convenience, the maximum values of the power density observed for different width of the ring are plotted in FIG. 19 (b) together with the hot spot position. The corresponding near-field patterns are given in FIGS. 19 (c)-(f). As we can see, the maximum power density of ˜40 mW/m 2 is achieved for the ring width W≈500 nm (i.e. about one wavelength inside the cavity). According to equation (2), the corresponding field intensity enhancement is FIE≈20 a.u. that is 10 times higher than that observed for the hollow cylindrical cavity reported in FIG. 5.

(126) Length of the Nanojet Beam

(127) The impact of the ring width on the length of the nanojet beam is illustrated in FIG. 20. Here, a small height of the lens prevents effective generation of the nanojet beams that is evident by a much lower field intensity compared to larger size lenses reported FIG. 19. Because of this, the contribution of the Fresnel-type focusing mechanism becomes comparable to the nanojet phenomena. As a result, a longer beam with two maxima along z-axis is created.

(128) Bandwidth of the Nanojet and Fresnel-Type Beam Forming Effects

(129) The difference in the physical mechanisms behind the nanojet and Fresnel-type focusing mechanisms results in a different bandwidth of these two phenomena.

(130) The well-known Fresnel type focusing is based on the interference of the diffracted waves originating from the top surface of the ring cavity. Interference of the waves produced by different segments of the ring top surface can lead to the formation of multiple hot spots and beams corresponding to different diffraction orders. Thus, the radiation direction of these beams, as well as positions of the hot spots, strongly depend on the wavelength of the incident wave. On the opposite, the nanojet beams are created independently at each segment of the cavity base edge line. Because of these, the position and shape of the nanojet beam created on the optical axis of the ring-type lens as a result of recombination of nanojet beams produced by different segments of the cavity base edge line, is less sensitive to the incident wave wavelength.

(131) The difference in the dispersive behavior of both types of the focusing mechanisms is illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22. In FIG. 21, lens dimensions correspond to the case, when its behavior is defined by a superposition of the Fresnel type and nanojet phenomena (this configuration corresponds to the one studied in FIG. 20(e)). Because of this, a significant variation of the nanojet beam length is observed versus wavelength. On the opposite, in FIG. 22, lens dimensions are selected so that the beam shape is well preserved for the entire wavelength range (this configuration corresponds to the one studied in FIG. 19(d)). Such a behavior evidences for the dominant role of the nanojet effect in the formation for the beam.

(132) External Ring Shape, S.sub.2

(133) The external shape of the ring can be selected rather arbitrarily.

(134) As we can see in FIG. 23, the variation of the shape of the ring external boundary of the ring (defined by S.sub.2) produces only a minor impact on the nanojet beam. For instance, the transformation of the external cylinder cross-section from circular to rectangular results only in a minor decrease (˜10%) of the field intensity in the focal spot, whose position remained nearly unchanged for both configurations.

(135) A larger impact can be expected for certain configurations of ring-type lenses, when its performance is defined by an interplay of the Fresnel-type and nanojet phenomena (not shown).

(136) Core Size, R.sub.1

(137) The core size is a key parameter of the ring-type nanojet lens. This parameter determines the hot spot position along z-axis and peak field intensity in the nanojet beam region.

(138) The radius of the core cylinder defines the length and curvature of the edge line and thus the total effective aperture of the nanojet lens. The longer the edge, the more power is trapped and guided towards the nanojet beam, thus increasing the field intensity in the focal spot. In case when the core, substrate, and superstrate are of the same material (n.sub.2=n.sub.3=n.sub.4, see FIG. 15 for notations), a linear increase of the field intensity versus the core cylinder radius is observed (FIG. 24). In case of a ring-type lens structure comprising a stack of several layers of different materials, internal reflections inside the core can appear and alter the nanojet beam formation conditions. The larger the index ratio and the larger the core dimensions, the stronger is a possible impact of internal reflections (i.e. the larger the number of resonant modes that can be supported inside the core cylinder and the higher the quality factors of these modes).

(139) Optimal Combination of the Lens Height and Radius & Impact of the Host Media Material

(140) The optimal ratio between the core height and radius as well as the estimated FIE due to the nanojet focusing effect, is a function of the index ratio between the lens core and cavity materials. The full wave analysis of the ring-type nanojet lens with a hollow ring (n.sub.1=1) embedded in an unbounded host medium with refractive index n.sub.2=1.49 revealed that maximum field intensity is achieved for L.sub.z/R.sub.1=2 (FIG. 24(a)). The corresponding field intensity enhancement is estimated as FIE˜18 R.sub.1/λ.sub.1 [a.u.] (valid at least for ½<R.sub.1/λ.sub.2<2). In case of n.sub.1=2.0, the optimal ratio is defined as L.sub.z/R.sub.1=1.4 (FIG. 24(b)). The corresponding field intensity enhancement is estimated as FIE˜16 R.sub.1/λ.sub.1 [a.u.] (valid at least for ½<R.sub.1/λ.sub.2<3).

(141) Core Shape, S.sub.1

(142) The shape of the core cylinder can be selected rather arbitrarily and optimized in order to provide a desired shape and size of the nanojet beam (FIGS. 25 and 26).

(143) Modification of the core shape of the ring-type nanojet lens enables one to modify the partial contributions of the nanojet beams associated with different segments of the core base edge line. A few exemplary embodiments of the ring-type nanojet lens with cores of a different shape are illustrated in FIG. 25. The beams contributing to the formation of the central nanojet beam are shown schematically by dashed lines. The corresponding power density distributions for each configuration are shown in FIGS. 26-28. As we can see in FIGS. 26(a) and 26 (b), the transformation of the core cylinder cross-section from a circle to square has only a minor (˜10%) impact on the maximum value of the power density in the hot spot (best seen in FIG. 27), whereas the hot spot position and beam symmetry are well preserved for both circular and square configurations (FIGS. 28(a) and 28(b)). As we can see in FIGS. 26 (c) and 26 (d), the transformation of the circular core into a more complex 8-type and bar-type shapes results in the formation of asymmetric beams, whose shape reproduces the shape of the core. Apart from the nanojet beam width and length, the transformation of the core shape also affects the maximum power density in the hot spot of the nanojet beam (FIG. 27). As expected, the maximum value is observed for the circular core (thanks to its symmetry) and the lowest for the lens with a bar-type rectangular core. The cross-sectional views of the beams for each configuration are shown in FIG. 28.

(144) FIG. 29 presents a schematic drawing of a use scenario of a nanojet focusing component (or device for forming at least one focused beam in a near zone) according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

(145) In such embodiment, the emitting element referenced 280 can be any source of the electromagnetic radiation (e.g. visible light) positioned in the near or far zone. The electromagnetic waves, generated by the emitting element 280, can reach the nanojet focusing element referenced 281 (being part of a device for forming at least one focused beam in a near zone or being such device for forming at least one focused beam in a near zone) via free space propagation or through a wave guiding elements, e.g. optical fiber or a glass plate acting as a 2D light guiding structure. Indeed, in one embodiment of the disclosure, it is possible to put, at the position where the nanojet beam is focused, another first and second elements.

(146) A receiving element referenced 282 must be located within a certain distance D≤R.sub.max from the nanojet focusing element 281. The optimal distance depends on the focal length and the nanojet beam shape. It can vary from 0 to a few wavelengths. The value of R.sub.max is to be defined depending on the specifications for the systems functionality that can be formulated, for instance, in terms of an acceptable field intensity enhancement. A typical value of R.sub.max is estimated as 3 to 10 wavelengths.

(147) In one embodiment of the disclosure, the receiving element 282 can be one of the following element: a detector, e.g. a photodiode (for example to be used in optical sensors in photo cameras); another focusing, beam-forming or light-guiding element, e.g. lens, grating, optical fiber, etc. (AR/VR glasses, light communication, etc.), a target, e.g. quantum dots, nanoparticles or molecules inside a water or blood solution (spectroscopy, microscopy or lab-on-chip device).

(148) It should be noted that, in one embodiment of the disclosure, the nanojet focusing element 281 comprises a multi-layer structure with “cavity(ies)” on one or both surfaces of the sealed substrates. In some configurations, these structures can be directly attached to either the receiving and/or emitting elements.

(149) In one embodiment of the disclosure, the emitting element 280 can handle: ambient light coming from a source located far away via free space propagation or through a light guiding system, light produced by a local source directly attached to the nanojet component (e.g. photodiode or optical fiber), optical beam produced by another focusing element.

(150) It should be noted, that in one exemplary embodiment, the ring-type nanojet lens previously mentioned can be fabricated in a form of a multi-layer structure comprising three layers, namely: (i) glass plate, (ii) thin film with perforated apertures made of an optically transparent photoresist or phase change material, and (iii) another glass plate. Such a structure can be fabricated via photolithography. In another embodiment, the lens can comprise only two layers. For instance, it can be fabricated in an optically transparent plastic and comprising one plate with hollow cavities engraved on its surface attached to another plate using a glue or molecular adhesion. Such a structure can be fabricated, for instance, via a direct laser beam writing method, replication, or molding. This embodiment is potentially more suitable for mass production. The manufacturing processes are given as mere examples, in order to highlight the fabrication feasibility of the device according to the present disclosure, using established microfabrication methods. However, some other manufacturing methods may also exist, or be better suited for a mass production.

(151) Although the top layer (superstrate) is not absolutely required for the generation of the nanojet beams, it provides a twofold potential advantage for the nanojet-based focusing devices.

(152) First, it enables integration of the lens with other components of the optical system (e.g. optical sensors in photo cameras or other light-guiding and beam-forming components inside a dielectric wave guiding system, like in case of AR glasses). Direct integration can help avoid the problems related to the alignment between different components of the focusing system.

(153) Second, the superstrate prevents excitation of the internal reflections inside the core cylinder of the ring-type lens that can, otherwise, spoil the nanojet beam forming phenomenon However, if needed (e.g. for technological needs or design constrains) the superstrate can be removed, subject for a possible degradation of the lens performance due to the internal reflections

(154) FIG. 30 presents two different views of a second element according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

(155) These views present at least three parameters associated with said second element that can control the shape and the orientation of the focused beam: the length and the curvature of the edge line segment associated with the base surface, and also the values of the base angles associated with opposite edge line segments.

(156) FIG. 31 presents a 3D view of a second element according to one embodiment of the disclosure, representing two pairs of opposite edge line segments contributing to the formation of two independent nanojet beams. In case of L.sub.1≈L.sub.2, the two nanojet beams can recombine in a single beam having a more complex shape (e.g. see FIG. 26(c)). In case of L.sub.1<<L.sub.2, the nanojet beam (2) may appear at a longer distance from the top surface of the element and have a much lower field intensity value that for nanojet beam (1). For instance, such a situation may occur for L.sub.2>5λ, where λ is a wavelength in the host medium (i.e. inside the cavity).

(157) FIG. 32 presents the intersection of a part of the device according to the disclosure by a plane that is parallel to the propagation of an incident electromagnetic wave (and more precisely with a normal incident electromagnetic magnetic wave with regards to the bottom of dielectric layer).

(158) FIGS. 33 (a)-(d), present different resulting intersections of a part of the device according to the disclosure, by a plane that is parallel to the propagation of an incident electromagnetic wave (and more precisely with a normal incident electromagnetic magnetic wave with regards to the bottom of dielectric layer).

(159) It should be noted that the nanojet beams generated thanks to the interference of the two parts of the wave fronts of the incident wave propagating through the base of the first and second elements recombine all together inside the second element giving rise to a focused nanojet beam. In case of a normal incidence of the plane wave, for a lens having symmetrical cross-section and equal values of the previously mentioned base angles associated with opposite base edge line segments, a symmetrical nanojet beam is created on the optical axis of the lens with an orientation along this axis. It should be noted that, in case of an oblique incidence of the plane wave, the beam is tilted proportionally.

(160) One skilled in the art, by varying the shape and size of the first and second elements and, in particularly, by varying the shape of the base edge line and associated base angles, could control the shape, position, and radiation angle of the nanojet beam(s). Hence, it is possible to control the focusing and beam forming characteristics of the nanojet focusing device according to selected parameters.

(161) FIG. 34 presents schematic drawings of the nanojet beams produced by a device (or ring-type nanojet lens), according to one embodiment of the disclosure, that is illuminated by a plane wave: (a) which is incident from below, along z-axis, (b) which is incident from left, along x-axis. The arrows from the first element indicate the nanojet beams. FIG. 34(c) presents the power density distributions in xz-plane when the device according to one embodiment of the disclosure (i.e. comprising the ring structure) is illuminated from the left (along x axis).

(162) The FIG. 35 presents (a) a normalized field intensity in XZ-plane for the ring-type NJ microlens illuminated by a plane wave (λ=365 nm) with 20° incidence angle defined with respect to the vertical axis, and (b) a normalized field intensity distribution along X-axis at Y=0 nm, Z=−100 nm for two different incident angles of the plane wave, 0° and 20°. Parameters of the structure are the same as in FIG. 34.

(163) FIG. 36 illustrates a specific embodiment of the present disclosure, according to which the focusing component is based on a 2×2 array of hollow cuboids embedded in a host medium. FIG. 36a illustrates the topology of such a component, while FIG. 36b provides simulation results of the time-averaged power distribution when the component is illuminated by a unit-amplitude plane wave propagating along z-axis (n.sub.1=1.49, L.sub.x=L.sub.y=L.sub.z=2λ.sub.1, S=0.5λ.sub.1).

(164) The component of FIG. 36a comprises four hollow cuboids (n.sub.2=1) 140 embedded in an optically transparent host medium 112 with refractive index n.sub.1>n.sub.2. For instance, this can be a glass, plastic (e.g. PMMA), or polymer (e.g. PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane)).

(165) A nanojet beam is generated on the axis of the 2×2 array of hollow (n.sub.2=1) cuboids 140 embedded in a homogeneous dielectric medium 112 with a refractive index n.sub.1=1.49 that is a typical value for glass and plastics in the optical range. Analysis shows that, by optimizing the size, shape and relative positions of the cuboids with respect to the host medium refractive index and wavelength of the incident plane wave, a nanojet beam can be generated with the beam full width at half power (FWHP) of ˜λ/2n.sub.1 and FIE of at least a factor of 5.

(166) FIG. 37 illustrates an alternate embodiment of light guiding means, in which the hollow rectangular cuboids 140 are replaced with hollow cylinders 141, oriented along the plane wave propagation direction. As in FIG. 36, FIG. 37a illustrates the topology of such a component, while FIG. 37b provides simulation results of the time-averaged power distribution when the component is illuminated by a unit-amplitude plane wave propagating along z-axis (n.sub.1=1.49, L.sub.z=2λ.sub.1, R=λ.sub.1, S=0.5λ.sub.1).

(167) FIG. 38 illustrates yet another embodiment, in which a 2×2 array of hollow cylinders 141 is created at the boundary of the dielectric medium 112 and free space, e.g. on the surface of a glass or plastic plate. When illuminated by a plane wave from the media side, such a component produces a nanojet beam in free space close to the surface of the plate 112. This embodiment can be advantageous for applications that require an air gap between the focusing component and the object under test that is a typical scenario for optical data storage, microscopy, spectroscopy, and metrology systems.

(168) As in FIG. 37, FIG. 38a illustrates the topology of such a component based on a 2×2 array of hollow cylinders created at the interface of the dielectric medium and free space, while FIG. 38b provides simulation results of the time-averaged power distribution when the component is illuminated by a unit-amplitude plane wave propagating along z-axis (n.sub.1=1.49, L.sub.z=2λ.sub.1, R=λ.sub.1, S=0.5λ.sub.1).

(169) FIG. 39 provides two additional exemplary embodiments based on single-periodic (FIG. 39a) and double-periodic (FIG. 39b) arrays of hollow cylinders 141 embedded in a host medium 112, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In both embodiments, the hollow cylinders form a number of regularly-spaced sub-arrays of 2×2 closely-positioned scatterers that act like the component illustrated in FIG. 42. Note that in case of FIG. 39b, each hollow cylinder 141 simultaneously contributes to the formation of four nanojets referenced 180.

(170) It should be noted that in the case the plane wave is incident from left, the at least one base surface of the second element previously mentioned correspond to the lateral surface of a cylinder in the common sense with the at least two edge line segments being parts of the cylinder top and bottom edge lines However, one skilled in the art would understand this change of common sense.

(171) It should be noted that due to the manufacturing process, some issues related to the creation of the previous mentioned shapes can occur. Indeed, at the nanoscale, it can be difficult to create an expected shape (such as a cylinder, a double-ring structure, etc.) without inaccuracies/deformations. These distortions introduced by the manufacturing process clearly affect (more or less depending on the type of distortions) the generated beams/nanojets originating from the device according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Especially, the nanojet beam radiation angle can be affected by these deformations.

(172) Hence, in one embodiment of the disclosure, it is proposed to correct, at the nanoscale, the deficiencies (in term of orientation of the created nanojet) introduced by the manufacturing process. Such correction technique can be done via a doping process that modifies locally the refractive index value of the materials. Hence, it is proposed to obtain, via such doping process, a non-uniform (or non-istropic) material instead of a homogeneous material (in term of refractive index value). Modifying locally the refractive index means that for a 3D structure (that can have a wide range of shapes, i.e. it can be a three-dimensional space enclosed by a closed surface), having a volume from 1λ.sub.1.sup.3 to 20λ.sub.1.sup.3, the refractive index value is modified. Hence, within such 3D structure, the value of the refractive index is different from outside of this 3D structure.

(173) The refractive index is a measurement of optical density of a material. The refractive index of the material depends on the relative permittivity of the material and also depends on optical frequency or wavelength.

(174) Therefore, in one embodiment of the disclosure, it is proposed to use a femtosecond laser that can generate a femtosecond pulse being focused into an identified region of the dielectric layer. A gas of electronics in the conduction band of the glass is generated. The change in the optical properties (the complex refractive index) associated with this electron gas can be measured by a probe pulse as explained in the Phd thesis entitled “Nonlinear femtosecond near infrared laser structuring in oxide glasses” by Arnaud Royon, published in 2009.

(175) In another embodiment of the disclosure, in order to measure a nanojet beam radiation angle, it is proposed to perform in a 3D coordinate system (such as a Cartesian coordinate system) x-y-z intensity measurements, by using for example a confocal microscopy technique (or confocal laser scanning microscopy technique) which characterizes the volumetric luminous intensity. The precision depends on the wavelength used to produce the nanojet beam and generally, a confocal microscope is known for measuring below the diffraction limit. The precision with which the maximum of radiation can be measured in each x-y plane is around λ.sub.1/(2*n), where n is the index of the material where the nanojet beam occurs. In depth, the precision is around λ.sub.1/(4n).

(176) From the description of the FIGS. 8(a) and 8(b) and from equation (4), it appears that we can obtain an approximation of the angle θ.sub.B (i.e. the nanojet beam radiation angle) by the following equation that involves the parameters n.sub.1 and n.sub.2 (where n.sub.2<n.sub.1):

(177) ${\theta }_B\approx \frac{1}{2}{\sin }^{-1}\left(\frac{n_2}{n_1}\right)$

(178) Therefore, by derivating such equation according to either variable n.sub.1 or n.sub.2, we can obtain the two following equations:

(179) $\frac{d{\theta }_B}{{\mathrm{dn}}_1}=\frac{-1}{2n_1}.Math.\frac{1}{\sqrt{{\left(\frac{n_2}{n_1}\right)}^2-1}}$$\frac{d{\theta }_B}{{\mathrm{dn}}_2}=\frac{1}{2n_1}.Math.\frac{1}{\sqrt{1-{\left(\frac{n_1}{n_2}\right)}^2}}$

(180) Therefore, in the case that n.sub.1 is increasing, it has for effect to decrease/reduce the value of the angle θ.sub.B.

(181) In the case that n.sub.2 varies, it has for effect to increase the value of the angle θ.sub.B due to the fact that

(182) $\frac{d{\theta }_B}{{\mathrm{dn}}_2}>0,\forall n_2.$
Indeed, whatever the variation of the variable n.sub.2, it increases the value of the angle θ.sub.B.

(183) Hence, given a set of parameters (n.sub.1, n.sub.2), and knowing that values of n.sub.1 and n.sub.2 can only grow by applying a doping method, then if we have to correct the value of the angle θ.sub.B, two cases can happen: if the value of the angle θ.sub.B has to be decreased (i.e. a lower value has to be used), then the doping technique should be applied in order to increase the value of n.sub.1; if the value of the angle θ.sub.B has to be increased, therefore a doping technique should be applied in such way that the value of n.sub.2 is increased.

(184) The same principles can be applied to the context of a double ring structure (see FIGS. 14(b) and 16(a) for example). It should be noted that the nanojets beams are oriented in the direction/side of the material having the highest refractive index (indeed, in the FIG. 16(a), the highest refractive index value is n.sub.1 (compared to n.sub.2) whereas in the FIG. 16(b), the highest refractive index value is n.sub.2 (compared to n.sub.1)).

(185) Indeed, in another embodiment of the disclosure, it is proposed to modify the index refraction of the second element in order to correct a deviation of the angle θ.sub.B.

(186) The previous description only relates to explanations on how the proposed technique enables light guiding at near field scale (i.e. at a distance less than a few wavelengths). However, applications, at the far field level (i.e. at few mm, cm or a larger distance) can be developed based on the device according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

(187) For example, the PSF (point spread function) of a classical optics converging lens may be taken as the desired electro-magnetic field repartition for a given focal distance.

(188) Therefore, in one embodiment of the disclosure, instead of correcting a nanojet element structure (shape) deficiencies by performing local measurements and local doping (i.e. by measuring the angle difference between the generated nanojets, and the expected nanojets), it is proposed to perform index refractive modifications from measurement at the far field level (based on the PSF value). Therefore, such correction can address a device that comprises a set of a nanojet elements. In such variant, it is proposed to use mean for correcting the far-field pattern of a device comprising nanojets generating elements, that can be used either during the manufacturing process or after it.

(189) In order to correct the altered far-field pattern (due to the local deficiencies induced by malformations of the cavities for example), one way is to slightly perturb the distribution of the index of refraction of the host media aposteriori. This can be achieved by modifying locally the index of refraction via one of the several known methods in the state of the art. One skilled in the art, knowing the deviation can perform some simulations in order to identify a region (or 3D structure) where the index refraction modification will have a significant effect for correcting the deviation.

(190) For example, one skilled in the art could use one of these known techniques for modifying index refraction: neutron irradiation (see for example the article “Correction of Optical Aberrations by Neutron Irradiation,” Appl. Opt. 10, 99-104 (1971) by P. Sinai) in which boron-rich glass is bombarded with neutrons to cause a change in the boron concentration, and thus the refractive index of the lens; chemical vapour deposition (see document U.S. Pat. No. 3,904,268) involving the deposition of different glass with varying refractive indexes, onto a surface to produce a cumulative refractive change; Partial polymerisation (see document U.S. Pat. No. 3,718,383): an organic monomer is partially polymerized using ultraviolet light at varying intensities to give a refractive gradient; ion exchange (see document U.S. Pat. No. 3,873,408): Glass is immersed into a liquid melt with lithium ions. As a result of diffusion, sodium ions in the glass are partially exchanged with lithium ones, with a larger amount of exchange occurring at the edge. Thus the sample obtains a gradient material structure and a corresponding gradient of the refractive index; ion Stuffing (in “Digest of Topical Meeting on Gradient-index Optical Imaging Systems” (Optical Society of America, Washington), D C (1979), paper WAL, by Mohr R K, Wilder J A, Macedo P B, and Gupta P K): Phase separation of a specific glass causes pores to form, which can later be filled using a variety of salts or concentration of salts to give a varying gradient.

(191) Some of the above methods might be less efficient for our purpose, but since we want to implement an index gradient to correct for the global shape of the far-field, it is not necessarily mandatory to modify the index of refraction in the very near vicinity of the nano-elements.

(192) In FIG. 40, we have simulated a thin glass plate of nano-elements whose optical function is to focus the incoming light beam coming from infinity in the tiniest possible spot in the far-field. In order to show the advantage of the present disclosure, the nano-structure has been perturbated in a radial manner and it exhibits a very poor focusing to a spot size of rms radius of 137 microns which is not suitable with lots of applications like imaging. This perturbation can come from a redial difference of density of nano-elements or from some curved shaped implementation in the bulk host media for instance.

(193) In order to correct for the far-field spot quality, one of the above method could be employed in order to modify the index of refraction of the right-hand side host media of the component. By optimizing the global variation of the index of refraction, we could achieve the performance shown on FIG. 41. This time, the rms spot size radius achieved is of 3.4 microns, which is a very good one for the focusing distance of 60 mm and a system aperture of 20 mm.

(194) In order to compensate for the initial bad far-field pattern, the added modulation in the index of refraction of the host media can be modeled as n(r)=n′.sub.0+n′.sub.2r.sup.2+n′.sub.4r.sup.4 with n′.sub.0=1.6, n′.sub.2=−2.15×10.sup.−3 and n′.sub.4=2.476×10.sup.−5, where r=√{square root over (x.sup.2+y.sup.2)}. But in general, n as also a longitudinal component, so could also be a function of z, n(r,z).

(195) In another embodiment of the disclosure, it is proposed to use another polynomial function for defining a model for n(r). Hence, we have n(r)=P(r), where P is a polynomial function of degree n.

(196) In another embodiment, other function can be used for modeling the function n(r).

(197) As we can see from the FIG. 42, the variation of the index of refraction is very sound since it is constrained in a region of optically sound values ranging from 1.553 and up to 1.632. The variation is also constrained on this example, which is also good for a practical realization.

(198) In this example case and for the purpose to give an example, the correcting index function is an even function of r but this might not be the case in general since the fabrication process can end up in some asymmetrical or even random variation of the phase ϕ of the light emerging from the optical component.

(199) In the most general case, in order to achieve a target far-field pattern, the optical element needs to have the nanoelements fabricated and embedded in host material and the device has then an optical phase in the vicinity of the output surface described as a function ϕ.sub.target(x,y) which is not necessarily continuous.

(200) Once the component is fabricated, it will exhibit a phase function which is different due to some fabrication perturbations ϕ.sub.measured(x,y).

(201) In order to correct that sample, we need to modify the measured phase value by doping the host media or adding a thin component in its vicinity in such a way to get back to the design phase ϕ.sub.target. As the phase is defined modulo 2π, we can always state that to compensate the optical component in order to achieve the thrived far-field pattern, we need the following statement to hold true:
ϕ.sub.target(x,y)=ϕ.sub.measured(x,y)+Δϕ(x,y)mod 2π
and the value Δϕ(x,y) to add will be a summation of the varying index of refraction over the optical path length:

(202) $\Delta \varphi \left(x,y\right)=\frac{2\pi }{\lambda }{\int }_{s_0}^{s}n\left(\xi ,\eta ,\zeta \right)\mathrm{ds}$

(203) One way to have a control over the production of specific nano-beams is to vary the index of refraction of the host media for hollow type nano-structures. Large scale (over few microns) variations of the nano-elements are necessary in order to achieve some far-field optical function. Those variations can exhibit different types of deviations from the specified ones, and with the means described in this invention disclosure, we can compensate the variations to get to a better far-field pattern.

(204) The fabrication of the hollow nano-structures is a complicated process and the performances of the optical components realized by such means greatly depend on various parameters of the nano-elements, such as their edge straightness, roughness, shape, their geometry, tolerances on the size. So it is much easier to enhance the quality of the optical element by providing it with an after fabrication index gradient than by tightening the fabrication process precision, the latter is not always possible.

(205) In another embodiment of the disclosure, one skilled in the art can use Schlieren photography in order to determine changes or nonuniformities in refractive index of materials used in the present document.