Gain-assisted hybrid-superlens hyperlens for nano imaging

Opt Express. 2012 Sep 24;20(20):22953-60. doi: 10.1364/OE.20.022953.

Abstract

We propose an innovative active imaging device named gain-assisted hybrid-superlens hyperlens and examine its resolving power theoretically. This semi-cylindrical device consists of a core of semi-cylindrical super-lens and a half cylindrical outer shell of hyperlens. Both the superlens and hyperlens parts of the device are appropriately designed multi-layered metal-dielectric structures having indefinite eigenvalues of dielectric tensors. The dielectric layers of the hyperlens are doped with Coumarin, which play the role of gain medium. The gain medium is analyzed thoroughly using a generic four-level system model, and the permittivity of the gain medium is extracted from this analysis for simulating the imaging characteristics of the device. According to our simulation at wavelength of 365 nm, an excellent resolution power much better than the diffraction limit value can be achieved.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer-Aided Design
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Image Enhancement / instrumentation*
  • Lenses*
  • Microscopy / instrumentation*
  • Nanoparticles / ultrastructure*
  • Nanotechnology / instrumentation*
  • Refractometry / instrumentation*