Ultrahigh-Resolution, Label-Free Hyperlens Imaging in the Mid-IR

Abstract

The hyperbolic phonon polaritons supported in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) with long scattering lifetimes are advantageous for applications such as super-resolution imaging via hyperlensing. Yet, hyperlens imaging is challenging for distinguishing individual and closely spaced objects and for correlating the complicated hyperlens fields with the structure of an unknown object underneath. Here, we make significant strides to overcome each of these challenges. First, we demonstrate that monoisotopic h¹¹BN provides significant improvements in spatial resolution, experimentally resolving structures as small as 44 nm and those with sub 25 nm spacings at 6.76 μm free-space wavelength. We also present an image reconstruction algorithm that provides a structurally accurate, visual representation of the embedded objects from the complex hyperlens field. Further, we offer additional insights into optimizing hyperlens performance on the basis of material properties, with an eye toward realizing far-field imaging modalities. Thus, our results significantly advance label-free, high-resolution, spectrally selective hyperlens imaging and image reconstruction methodologies.

Keywords: hyperbolic media; hyperlens; reconstruction algorithm; super-resolution.