Multifocal flat lens with left-handed metamaterial

Abstract

We show experimental results demonstrating multiple focal lengths at microwave frequencies in a flat lens constructed of left-handed metamaterial (LHM). In contrast to conventional lenses, which are constructed of materials with positive index and require a curved surface or inhomogeneous structures to focus light or other electromagnetic radiation, no curvature is needed with a LHM because of a negative effective index of refraction. Such a flat lens has the advantage of being capable of changing the focal length by simply changing the distance between the electromagnetic source and the lens.