Dynamical control of light steering with magneto-photonic metaparticles

The ability to deliver light of desired properties (wavelength, polarization, etc.) to any target spot in a medium has broad relevance for applications in biology, biomedicine, nano-chemistry, and radiation therapy. It is often desirable that such delivery is adaptively controlled with a non-invasive mechanism, that it exhibits significant selectivity for desired light properties, and that it does not require direct line-of-sight access to the target spot. We approach this challenge by introducing a meta-particle concept that integrates magnetic and photonic functionalities. Here, the surface of the meta-particle is endowed with light steering capability from embedded nano-photonic elements. Simultaneously, the particle incorporates anisotropic magnetic features to control its orientation with an external magnetic field. We present theoretical and experimental results that show proof of concept large-angle steering of light, as well as the capability to orient and actuate multiple particles at once. The fabrication process combines nano-imprint lithography and photolithography and is highly scalable. Finally, we discuss the potential for the photonic and the magnetic functionality of the particle to be designed largely independently of each other, therefore offering access to the complete toolbox of nanophotonics for realizing sophisticated flows of light.