Anisometric Dielectric Snowman-Particle Provides Improved Control Over Photonic Hook

Abstract

A novel efficient method for controlling photonic hook (PH) with an anisotropic dielectric microparticle dimer in the snowman-particle configuration is introduced and numerically justified. In contrast to existing schemes that rely on structured illumination, partial shielding, or complex morphologies, the proposed anisometric geometry utilizes a simple and easily manufacturable form composed of two partially overlapping cylinders. The finite element method was employed to study how the degree of asymmetry, spatial rotation, and optical properties of the upper particle (the head of the snowman-particle) affect the bending angle and maximum intensity of PH. For the first time, it has been demonstrated that adjusting these parameters allows for the deliberate switching between single and double PH modes, as well as controlling the direction and curvature of the hook, including the fragmentation of the focal area. This approach offers high efficiency in utilizing incident radiation, simplicity in fabrication, and broad tunability of PH characteristics. The findings pave the way for the development of compact near-field optical devices, such as optical traps, high-resolution microscopes, sensors, and tools for surface microstructuring.