Metamorphic materials: bulk electromagnetic transitions realized in electronically reconfigurable composite media

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetic materials science
• Metamaterials research
• Applied physics

Background:

• Composite electromagnetic materials are crucial for advanced applications.
• Controlling electromagnetic properties, such as reflection coefficients, is a key challenge.
• Existing materials often have fixed properties, limiting adaptability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a new class of composite electromagnetic materials termed 'metamorphic materials'.
• To define the concept of metamorphism in electromagnetic materials.
• To demonstrate physical realizations and reconfigurable properties of these materials.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical definition of metamorphic materials based on reflection coefficient transitions.
• Design and fabrication of specific metallodielectric structures.
• Experimental validation at microwave frequencies, demonstrating electronic reconfigurability.

Main Results:

• Metamorphic materials exhibit distinct electromagnetic states characterized by ranges of reflection coefficients.
• Transitions between these states can be achieved electronically at fixed frequencies and geometries.
• The materials demonstrate dispersive properties, allowing different metamorphic states at different frequencies.

Conclusions:

• Metamorphic materials represent a novel class of tunable electromagnetic composites.
• Electronic reconfigurability enables dynamic control over material properties.
• These materials offer a new degree of freedom in electromagnetic design due to their dispersive nature.