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Updated: May 3, 2026

Simulation, Fabrication and Characterization of THz Metamaterial Absorbers
Published on: December 27, 2012
Electric levitation using ϵ-near-zero metamaterials
Francisco J Rodríguez-Fortuño1, Ashkan Vakil2, Nader Engheta2
1Department of Electrical and Systems Engineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA and Nanophotonics Technology Center, Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022 Valencia, Spain.
Metamaterials with near-zero permittivity can repel electric dipoles, enabling levitation. This phenomenon, akin to magnetic field expulsion, opens possibilities for controlling polarized particles across various frequencies.
Area of Science:
- Electromagnetism
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Metamaterials offer unique electromagnetic properties.
- Controlling electromagnetic fields is crucial for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the repulsive force exerted by near-zero permittivity metamaterials on electric dipoles.
- To explore the potential for levitation and repulsion of polarized particles.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of electromagnetic field interactions with metamaterials.
- Modeling the expulsion of time-varying electric fields.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that near-zero permittivity metamaterials generate a repulsive force on electric dipoles.
- Showcased levitation of electric dipoles due to field expulsion.
- Identified requirements for repelling polarized particles across microwave to optical frequencies.
Conclusions:
- Near-zero permittivity metamaterials can induce repulsive forces, enabling dipole levitation.
- The principle is analogous to perfect diamagnetism in magnetostatics.
- This research paves the way for novel applications in particle manipulation.
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