Hidden symmetry-induced effective moving double-zero-index metamaterials

Area of Science:

• * Photonics
• * Condensed Matter Physics
• * Metamaterials

Background:

• * Materials with an effective zero refractive index are typically linked to Dirac-like cone dispersion at the Brillouin zone (BZ) center.
• * Hidden symmetry-enforced triply degenerate points, termed nexus points (NPs), have been observed in stacked dielectric photonic crystals away from the BZ center.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To explore the potential of nexus points in stacked dielectric photonic crystals for achieving zero refractive index materials.
• * To investigate the properties of these materials as effective moving double-zero-index media (MDZIM).

Main Methods:

• * Analysis of spin-1 Dirac-like dispersion near nexus points in the xy plane.
• * Characterization of stacked photonic crystals exhibiting nexus points.
• * Theoretical demonstration of perfect wave tunneling through barriers using the MDZIM.

Main Results:

• * Spin-1 Dirac-like dispersion near nexus points provides a pathway to zero refractive index materials.
• * Stacked photonic crystals at nexus points function as an effective MDZIM.
• * Perfect wave tunneling across barriers without reflection is achievable with the MDZIM, contingent on incident wave orientation.

Conclusions:

• * Nexus points in stacked dielectric photonic crystals offer a novel route to zero refractive index materials.
• * The developed MDZIM demonstrates potential for advanced wave manipulation, including perfect tunneling.
• * Further research into incident wave angular orientations can optimize MDZIM performance.