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Gyrotropy in achiral materials: the coupled oscillator model
Thomas W H Oates1, Timur Shaykhutdinov, Tolga Wagner
1Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften - ISAS - e.V., Albert Einstein Str. 9, 12489, Berlin, Germany.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|September 11, 2014
Summary
A new coupled oscillator model explains gyrotropy in achiral metamaterials. This model clarifies how distinct excitation modes, under oblique incidence, cause circular birefringence in split-ring resonator arrays.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Optics
Background:
- Gyrotropy is an optical phenomenon observed in materials.
- Achiral metamaterials typically do not exhibit gyrotropy.
- Split-ring resonators (SRRs) are common metamaterial structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a theoretical model explaining gyrotropy in achiral metamaterials.
- To elucidate the mechanism behind circular birefringence in SRR arrays.
- To draw parallels between metamaterial behavior and natural systems.
Main Methods:
- Development of a coupled oscillator model.
- Analysis of distinct excitation modes in SRRs.
- Investigation of electromagnetic wave interaction under oblique incidence.
Main Results:
- The coupled oscillator model successfully explains observed gyrotropy.
- Distinct excitation modes, when combined under oblique incidence, lead to circular birefringence.
- The symmetry of SRRs is analogous to that of water molecules.
Conclusions:
- The coupled oscillator model provides a robust explanation for gyrotropy in achiral metamaterials.
- Oblique incidence is crucial for the excitation of modes that result in circular birefringence.
- The study highlights interesting parallels between artificial metamaterials and natural molecular systems.
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