Off-resonance field enhancement by spherical nanoshells

Abstract

We study light scattering by spherical nanoshells consistent of metal/dielectric composites. We consider two geometries of metallic nanoshell with dielectric core, and dielectric coated metallic nanoparticle. We demonstrate that for both geometries the local field enhancement takes place out of resonance regions ("dark states"), which, nevertheless, can be understood in terms of the Fano resonance. At optimal conditions the light is stronger enhanced inside the dielectric material. By using nonlinear dielectric materials it will lead to a variety nonlinear phenomena applicable for photonics applications.