Resonant light–matter interaction with epsilon-near-zero photonic structures

Abstract

The physics and properties of electromagnetic epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials have attracted much attention in recent years, especially in the fields of metamaterials, nonlinear optics, subwavelength photonics, and also in many systems supporting strong light–matter interaction. The unique optical properties of the ENZ materials, such as constant phase transmission, strong field enhancement, high tunability, and ultrafast phase transitions, offer novel opportunities for advancing optical communications and data processing, as well as integrated photonic devices. Here, we review the recent advances in theoretical and experimental studies of resonant light–matter interaction in photonic structures with ENZ materials and their applications to linear and nonlinear nanophotonics. We start by discussing briefly the fundamentals of the ENZ physics and experimental realizations of the ENZ materials. We then summarize the most recent advances in the study of ENZ material-based light–matter interaction and their applications in linear and nonlinear optics. Finally, we present our views on the further developments of the ENZ-empowered resonant photonics.