Near-zero-index media as electromagnetic ideal fluids

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetism
• Wave Phenomena
• Fluid Dynamics

Background:

• Near-zero-index (NZI) supercoupling facilitates electromagnetic wave transmission in waveguides, irrespective of their geometry.
• Applications include optical interconnects and engineered light-matter interactions.
• Limited understanding exists regarding the local properties of electromagnetic power flow during supercoupling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically demonstrate the analogy between power flow in 2D NZI media and ideal fluid dynamics.
• To leverage this connection to explain the robustness of supercoupling against geometric changes.
• To analyze power flow in complex geometries and in NZI media doped with dielectric particles.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical analysis of electromagnetic wave propagation in 2D NZI media.
• Application of fluid dynamics principles to model power flow.
• Investigation of scenarios with geometric deformations and dielectric inclusions.

Main Results:

• Power flow in 2D NZI media exhibits a direct analogy to that of an ideal fluid.
• This analogy explains the inherent robustness of supercoupling to geometrical deformations.
• The study provides a framework for analyzing electromagnetic power flow around complex structures and within doped media.

Conclusions:

• The established connection between NZI electrodynamics and fluid dynamics offers novel perspectives on wave phenomena.
• Electromagnetic ideal fluids, with inhibited turbulence, present potential for advanced optical forces and systems under extreme conditions.
• This research opens avenues for technological advancements in optical engineering and material science.