Extending transformation optics beyond 3D geometries

Abstract

Transformation optics makes use of coordinate transformations to explore the possibilities offered by artificially structured metamaterials for the manipulation of a wide variety of electromagnetic phenomena. Since a decade, transformation optics has consistently extended its scope. Initially, coordinate transformations were only applied to the transformation of light in the simplest of optical setups, i.e., empty space [1,2]. In particular, straight light trajectories were being transformed into curved ones, e.g., avoiding a specific region in space (invisibility devices), bending over a specific angle (benders and splitters), and focussing to a particular point (lenses). Today, research efforts go beyond the transformation of empty space, allowing metamaterials to further enhance our control on electromagnetic phenomena other than light propagation. In this contribution, I will review our work on transformation optics to manipulate guided modes along and optical forces between metamaterial waveguides [3,4], the emission of Cerenkov radiation due to fast charged particles [5,6], and the Goos-Hanchen shift at metamaterial surfaces [7].