Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026
13:44
Simulation, Fabrication and Characterization of THz Metamaterial Absorbers
Published on: December 27, 2012
Metamaterial analog of electromagnetically induced transparency
N Papasimakis1, V A Fedotov, N I Zheludev
1Optoelectronics Research Centre, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom. N.Papasimakis@soton.ac.uk
Physical Review Letters
|December 31, 2008
Summary
We demonstrate a classical analog of electromagnetically induced transparency using planar metamaterials, showing significant pulse delay. Stacking these thin structures enhances transmission and bandwidth for optical applications.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) is a quantum interference effect.
- Metamaterials offer unique electromagnetic properties not found in natural materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a classical analog of EIT in a planar metamaterial.
- To investigate pulse propagation and delay effects in such structures.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a planar metamaterial structure.
- Experimental observation of light pulse propagation through the metamaterial.
- Analysis of transmission and delay characteristics.
Main Results:
- A classical analog of EIT was successfully demonstrated.
- Propagating pulses experienced considerable temporal delay.
- The metamaterial structure exhibited sub-wavelength thickness.
Conclusions:
- Planar metamaterials can exhibit EIT-like phenomena classically.
- Sub-wavelength structures enable stacking for enhanced optical performance.
- This approach offers potential for novel optical devices.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Dual Nature of Electromagnetic (EM) Radiation
Electromagnetic (EM) radiation consists of electric and magnetic field components oscillating in planes perpendicular to each other and mutually perpendicular to radiation propagation through space. EM radiation can be classified as a wave, characterized by the properties of waves such as wavelength (denoted as λ) and frequency (represented by ν).
Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks (the highest point) or troughs (the lowest point) in the wave. Frequency is the number of...
Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks (the highest point) or troughs (the lowest point) in the wave. Frequency is the number of...
01:30Electromagnetic Waves in Matter
Electromagnetic waves can travel in the vacuum as well as in matter. For example light, which is an electromagnetic wave, can travel through air, water, or glass.
Consider the electromagnetic wave passing through a dielectric medium. In such a case, Maxwell's equations get modified. In Ampere's law, ε0 , the dielectric permittivity of free space is replaced with ε, the permittivity of dielectric. Also, the vacuum permeability μ0 is replaced by the permeability of the medium, μ.
Furthermore, the...
Consider the electromagnetic wave passing through a dielectric medium. In such a case, Maxwell's equations get modified. In Ampere's law, ε0 , the dielectric permittivity of free space is replaced with ε, the permittivity of dielectric. Also, the vacuum permeability μ0 is replaced by the permeability of the medium, μ.
Furthermore, the...
01:29Maxwell's Equation Of Electromagnetism
James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879) was one of the major contributors to physics in the nineteenth century. Although he died young, he made major contributions to the development of the kinetic theory of gases, to the understanding of color vision, and to understanding the nature of Saturn's rings. He is probably best known for having combined existing knowledge on the laws of electricity and magnetism with his insights into a complete overarching electromagnetic theory, which is represented by...
01:12Interaction of EM Radiation with Matter: Spectroscopy
Electromagnetic (EM) radiation can be considered an oscillating electric and magnetic field propagating through a medium that can interact with matter in its path. The electric field in the radiation can interact with electrical charges in the atoms or molecules in the matter. On the other hand, the magnetic field can interact with the magnetic field in the atomic nucleus. The study of the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and matter is termed spectroscopy. Spectroscopy is the study...
01:24Electromagnetic Wave Equation
Maxwell's equations for electromagnetic fields are related to source charges, either static or moving. These fields act on a test charge, whose trajectory can thus be determined using suitable boundary conditions. The objective of electromagnetism is thus theoretically complete.
However, although electric and magnetic fields were first introduced as mathematical constructs to simplify the description of mutual forces between charges, a natural question emerges from Maxwell's equations: What...
However, although electric and magnetic fields were first introduced as mathematical constructs to simplify the description of mutual forces between charges, a natural question emerges from Maxwell's equations: What...
01:24Potential Due to a Magnetized Object
Magnetic dipoles in magnetic materials are aligned when placed under an external magnetic field. For paramagnets and ferromagnets, dipole alignment occurs in the direction of the magnetic field. However, the dipoles align opposite to the field in the case of diamagnets. This state of magnetic polarization due to the external field is called magnetization. Magnetization is defined as the dipole moment per unit volume. It plays a similar role to polarization in electrostatics.
The vector...
The vector...