In this article, the authors explore the concept of confinement classification in nanophotonics. Confinement refers to the way light is confined or restricted within a material, which can significantly impact its properties and behavior. The article discusses various methods for classifying confinement, including the use of supercells, which are small units of atoms that repeat in a regular pattern.
The authors explain that while supercells offer a powerful tool for understanding confinement, they may not always be accurate, particularly when dealing with small supercells. They also highlight the limitations of using supercells to classify confinement and suggest alternative methods, such as the use of metaphors or analogies, to better understand this complex concept.
The article emphasizes that confinement classification is crucial in nanophotonics because it can help researchers identify and manipulate the properties of materials that are important for their applications. By understanding how light is confined within a material, scientists can develop new materials with unique properties, such as improved optical gain or enhanced nonlinear optics.
In summary, this article provides an in-depth look at the concept of confinement classification in nanophotonics, highlighting its importance and discussing various methods for understanding and manipulating it. By demystifying complex concepts through engaging metaphors and analogies, the authors aim to make this topic more accessible to a broad readership.