Forward and backward propagation in positive and negative index materials

Abstract

Forward and backward propagation can both be modeled in terms ofWigner distributions or alternatively in terms of spatial frequency transfer functions. We use both formalisms to show that, for non-evanescent waves, forward propagation in a negative index material is equivalent to backward propagation in a positive index medium. We consider the implications of this fact for several specific problems, including imaging 3D objects, imaging through thin phase screens, Fresnel holography, and speckle.