Broadband superresolving lens with high transparency for propagating and evanescent waves in the visible range

Abstract

We present a theoretical analysis of a super-resolving lens based on 1-dimensional metallo-dielectric photonic crystals composed of Ag/GaP multilayers. The lens contains a total of 10 optical skin depths of Ag, yet maintains a normal incidence transmittance of ~50% for propagating waves over the super-resolving wavelength range of 500-650 nm. The individual Ag layers are 22 nm thick and can be readily fabricated in conventional deposition systems. The importance of anti-reflection coatings for the transmission of evanescent and propagating waves is illustrated by comparison to periodic and symmetric structures without the coatings. In addition, the reflection for propagating waves is reduced to ~5% across the super-resolving wavelength band diminishing the interference between the object and the lens.