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This perspective article proposes a unified theoretical framework for understanding electromagnetic resonances in nanophotonics, distinguishing between eigenmodes of open systems and their observable manifestations as scattering features. The authors systematically trace how resonances evolve from isolated particles to coupled structures and periodic systems, with particular attention to interference-driven phenomena including bound states in the continuum, lattice resonances, anapoles, and superscattering. The framework clarifies that several of these phenomena cannot be attributed to a single eigenmode, but instead arise from interactions between multiple scattering channels.
Why it matters
A coherent, platform-independent language for resonant photonic systems could accelerate the design of advanced optical devices such as sensors, filters, lasers, and metasurface-based components by reducing the conceptual fragmentation between research communities working on plasmonics, photonic crystals, and dielectric structures.
arXiv:2603.13845v2 Announce Type: replace
Abstract: Electromagnetic resonances play a central role in nanophotonics by enabling efficient confinement of electromagnetic energy and enhanced light-matter interaction. Traditionally, resonant phenomena have been described using platform-specific concepts developed within distinct research communities, including photonic crystals, plasmonics, and dielectric metasurfaces. In this Perspective, we propose a unified framework that distinguishes electromagnetic resonances as eigenmodes of open systems from their experimentally observed manifestations as scattering features. We show how resonances evolve from isolated particles to coupled oligomers and periodic structures, highlighting the roles of geometry, material response, and dimensionality. Particular attention is given to interference-driven phenomena such as bound states in the continuum, lattice resonances, anapoles, and superscattering, some of which cannot always be associated with a single eigenmode. By clarifying the relationship between eigenmodes, scattering channels, and interference effects, this Perspective provides a coherent language for interpreting resonant phenomena and identifies key challenges and opportunities for designing robust resonant photonic systems.
Source: Optical Resonances: From Eigenmodes to Scattering Features