Broadband Forward Light Scattering by Architectural Design of Core–Shell Silicon Particles

A goal in the field of nanoscale optics is the fabrication of nanostructures with strong directional light scattering at visible frequencies. Here, the synthesis of Mie‐resonant core–shell particles with overlapping electric and magnetic dipole resonances in the visible spectrum is demonstrated. The core consists of silicon surrounded by a lower index silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy) shell of an adjustable thickness. Optical spectroscopies coupled to Mie theory calculations give the first experimental evidence that the relative position and intensity of the magnetic and electric dipole resonances are tuned by changing the core–shell architecture. Specifically, coating a high‐index particle with a low‐index shell coalesces the dipoles, while maintaining a high scattering efficiency, thus generating broadband forward scattering. This synthetic strategy opens a route toward metamaterial fabrication with unprecedented control over visible light manipulation. Core–shell particles composed of Si@SiOxNy are produced in a supercritical reactor. These particles demonstrate broadband, intense forward light scattering superior to that of a simple silicon particle. Experiment and simulation show that the core–shell design is an excellent way to fine tune the resonant properties of the particle, giving access to efficient Huygens sources.