Dynamical control of directional nonlinear scattering from metallic nanoantennas by three-dimensional focal polarization orientation

Abstract

We demonstrate that the directionality of far-field second harmonic (SH) emission generated from individual gold nanosphere can be flexibly engineered by manipulating three-dimensional (3D) focal polarization orientation of the excitation field, which is explained by the coherent interference between SH dipolar and quadrupolar emission modes. The SH dipolar emission mode is independent of the polarization direction of the fundamental field whereas the evolution of the focal polarization orientation can dramatically modify the quadrupolar emission pattern. Therefore, the resultant SH emission pattern has a polarization-dependent behavior and side scattering almost perpendicular to the propagation direction of the incident light can be observed under a specific condition. Our findings provide a novel degree of freedom for all-optical control of directional nonlinear scattering from single nanoantenna, thereby opening new possibilities for future potential applications.