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Optically induced metal-to-dielectric transition in Epsilon-Near-Zero metamaterials
R M Kaipurath1, M Pietrzyk2, L Caspani1
1School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, SUPA, Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK.
Scientific Reports
|June 14, 2016
Summary
Epsilon-Near-Zero (ENZ) metamaterials show a tunable transition from metallic to dielectric behavior with increasing optical power. This optically induced change is linear and occurs rapidly, enabling novel nonlinear optical applications.
Area of Science:
- Metamaterials science
- Nonlinear optics
- Condensed matter physics
Background:
- Epsilon-Near-Zero (ENZ) materials exhibit a unique transition in their dielectric permittivity around a specific wavelength.
- Metal-dielectric layered metamaterials offer tunable ENZ properties in the near-infrared region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally investigate the optically induced transition of permittivity in ENZ metamaterials.
- To characterize the linearity and timescale of this transition with respect to optical pump power.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of metal-dielectric layered metamaterials with subwavelength layer thicknesses.
- Optical pumping experiments to induce and measure changes in material permittivity.
- Analysis of the permittivity transition using third-order optical nonlinearity theory.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated a marked transition from negative (metallic) to positive (dielectric) permittivity near the ENZ wavelength.
- Observed a linear relationship between permittivity change and optical pump power.
- Showcased rapid transitions on the order of 100 fs, independent of pump wavelength tuning.
Conclusions:
- The study confirms an optically induced, power-dependent shift in metamaterial permittivity across the ENZ wavelength.
- The linear response and rapid switching highlight the potential for novel nonlinear optical devices.
- The findings support a fundamental change in the physical behavior of metamaterials driven by optical power.
