Controlling light scattering and polarization by spherical particles with radial anisotropy

Abstract

Based on full-wave electromagnetic theory, we derive the zeroforward and zero-backward scattering conditions for radially anisotropic spheres within the quasi-static limit.We find that the near-field intensity can be tuned dramatically through the adjustment of the radial anisotropy, while the far-field light scattering diagrams are similar under the zero-forward or zero-backward scattering conditions. Generalized Brewster's angle for anisotropic spheres is also derived, at which the scattering light is totally polarized. In addition, the high-quality polarized scattering wave and the tunable polarization conversion can be achieved for the radially anisotropic spheres. © 2013 Optical Society of America.