On the giant enhancement of light in plasmonic or all-dielectric gratings comprising nano-voids

Abstract: We report the possibility to generate tremendous light-field enhancements within shallow nano-trenches made in a high index dielectric material, because of resonant behaviours reminiscent of what we get with sub-wavelength plasmonic cavities. The high quality factors are explained through a modal analysis and can be tuned with appropriate design rules. The thin dielectric void gratings here simulated could be a relevant alternative to plasmon-based devices for chemical sensing, or could be used as efficient wavelength-selective photo-absorbers by taking weakly absorbing materials.