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Beyond Bloch modes: Ultra-broadband absorber with a periodic dielectric-dielectric-metal multilayer.

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Title: Beyond Bloch modes: Ultra-broadband absorber with a periodic dielectric-dielectric-metal multilayer.
Authors: Liao, Yan-Lin1 (AUTHOR) liaoyl@ahu.edu.cn, Zhang, Haojie1 (AUTHOR), Dong, Shijia2 (AUTHOR), Xiāo, Boyu2 (AUTHOR), Ye, Bingxue2 (AUTHOR), Chen, Zhenggen1 (AUTHOR), Zhang, Wen1 (AUTHOR) wenzhang@ahu.edu.cn, Zhao, Yan3 (AUTHOR) zhaoyan@ahmu.edu.cn
Source: Optics & Laser Technology. Jun2026, Vol. 198, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p.
Subjects: Bloch's theorem, Optical multilayers, Optical resonators, Photodetectors, Solar thermal energy
Abstract: Overcoming the bandwidth limitation imposed by Bloch's theorem remains a challenge in designing metamaterial-based ultra-broadband absorbers. In this work, we propose and experimentally validate a strategy that overcomes this constraint using a periodic dielectric-dielectric-metal multilayer structure. The advantage lies in deconstructing the single dielectric layer in a conventional Bloch-resonant unit cell into two distinct dielectric sub-layers, each with a quarter-wavelength optical thickness, thereby forming an embedded lossy Fabry-Pérot cavity. This architecture synergistically combines antireflection and strong localized field enhancement effects, effectively suppressing the absorption dip induced by the Bloch mode. As a result, the proposed absorber exhibits an average absorption exceeding 94% across the 451–3100 nm range and maintains 87% in the onset band (400–451 nm), covering the visible to mid-infrared spectrum. Furthermore, the absorption cutoff is flexibly governed by the photonic topological transition (PTT). This work provides a design route to transcend the limitations of Bloch modes and paves the way for advanced applications in solar thermal harvesting, infrared stealth, and broadband photodetection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Overcoming the bandwidth limitation imposed by Bloch's theorem remains a challenge in designing metamaterial-based ultra-broadband absorbers. In this work, we propose and experimentally validate a strategy that overcomes this constraint using a periodic dielectric-dielectric-metal multilayer structure. The advantage lies in deconstructing the single dielectric layer in a conventional Bloch-resonant unit cell into two distinct dielectric sub-layers, each with a quarter-wavelength optical thickness, thereby forming an embedded lossy Fabry-Pérot cavity. This architecture synergistically combines antireflection and strong localized field enhancement effects, effectively suppressing the absorption dip induced by the Bloch mode. As a result, the proposed absorber exhibits an average absorption exceeding 94% across the 451–3100 nm range and maintains 87% in the onset band (400–451 nm), covering the visible to mid-infrared spectrum. Furthermore, the absorption cutoff is flexibly governed by the photonic topological transition (PTT). This work provides a design route to transcend the limitations of Bloch modes and paves the way for advanced applications in solar thermal harvesting, infrared stealth, and broadband photodetection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:00303992
DOI:10.1016/j.optlastec.2026.114953