Photonic metamaterials

N M. Litchinitser, Department of Electrical Engineering, The State University of New York at Buffalo
V. M. Shalaev, Birck Nanotechnology Center and School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University

Abstract

The invention of metamaterials prompts reconsideratiou of a number of fundamental physical phenomena and enables a variety of unique properties and functionalities, These include negative refractive index, magnetism at optical frequencies, sub-wavelength resolution, "backward" phase matching conditions for nonlinear optical processes, and even rendering objects invisible - cloaking. In this brief review, recent progress in basic theory, design, fabrication, characterization, and potential applications of optical metamaterials is discussed.

Discipline(s)

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology