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Simulation, Fabrication and Characterization of THz Metamaterial Absorbers
Published on: December 27, 2012
Tunable negative group index in metamaterial structures with large form birefringence
Kirill Sinchuk1, Richard Dudley, John D Graham
1Department of Engineering and Technology, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC 28723, USA.
Optics Express
|February 23, 2010
Summary
This study experimentally confirms anomalous phase behavior in metamaterials using form birefringence. Researchers achieved large birefringence, enabling compact single-layer structures with tunable light properties.
Area of Science:
- Metamaterials
- Optics
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Anomalous phase behavior in metamaterials was theoretically predicted.
- Form birefringent structures offer a pathway to achieve large birefringence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally verify the predicted anomalous phase behavior in metamaterial structures.
- To investigate the relationship between design parameters and performance in single-layer birefringent structures.
- To achieve and measure tunable group index of refraction.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing surface-treated form birefringent discs to create metamaterial structures.
- Developing a reduced model for single-layer birefringent structures.
- Deriving and experimentally verifying the relationship between design parameters (thickness, orientation angle) and device performance (frequency, bandwidth, refractive index, transmission).
Main Results:
- Achieved large birefringence (Δn/n = 0.7) in surface-treated form birefringent discs.
- Demonstrated viability of compact, single-layer Mandatori metamaterial structures.
- Experimentally verified relationships between design parameters and device performance.
- Measured tunable group index of refraction (ng) from 29.6 (slow light) to -1.1 (fast light).
Conclusions:
- Experimental verification of anomalous phase behavior in metamaterials using form birefringence.
- Surface-treated form birefringent discs enable compact, single-layer structures with significant birefringence.
- Tunable slow and fast light effects are achievable by controlling design parameters in these metamaterials.
