Plasmonics to dielectrics A resonant sphere perspective

The scattering properties of a lossless isotropic dielectric sphere as a function of its relative permittivity are studied and presented. The analytically calculated extinction efficiency spectrum reveal several regions of particular interest, such as plasmonic and dielectric resonances. Additional details about the resonant properties are illustrated from a Poynting streamline perspective. As a result, different aspects of resonant spheres from microwave to optical regime are given physical interpretation, revealing emerging functionalities for plasmonic-dielectric engineered applications.