Metallic Split-ring Resonators Research Articles

Magnetic Interactions at Optical Frequencies in an InP-Based Waveguide Device With Metamaterial

We have fabricated a novel InP-based multimode interferometer combined with a metamaterial. It consists of an array of extremely small metal split-ring resonators attached to the waveguide. In this manner, we have demonstrated magnetic interactions between the metamaterial and light traveling in the device, the device was designed for use at 1.55 μm wavelength. The transmission characteristics of the device strongly depend on the polarization and wavelength of the input light. Our results show a strong possibility of creating novel semiconductor devices, i.e., meta-photonic integrated circuits.

Observation of slow-light in a metamaterials waveguide at microwave frequencies

We report an experimental observation of slow-light in the GHz microwave regime utilizing the mechanism of the degeneracy of forward and backward waves in a planar waveguide consisting of a dielectric core cladded by single-negative metamaterial. The metamaterial cladding consists of periodic arrays of metallic split-ring resonators, exhibiting an effective negative permeability. Group delay dispersions obtained from pulsed measurements are in complete agreement with theoretical predictions.

Thermal broadband tunable Terahertz metamaterials

A thermally tunable metamaterial comprising a periodic array of metallic split-ring resonators with an embedded semiconductor has been proposed. The resonance frequencies of the metamaterial are demonstrated to be continuously tuned in the terahertz regime by increasing the temperature. The tunability is attributed to the temperature-dependent permittivity of the embedded semiconductor and well analyzed by an equivalent capacitor–inductor model. The proposed designs ensure broadband thermally tunable terahertz devices.

Near-field optical experiments on low-symmetry split-ring-resonator arrays

Effective symmetric and antisymmetric eigenmodes of coupled plasmonic resonances play a crucial role in many photonic metamaterials. Recently, we discussed a particular arrangement of metallic split-ring resonators that is planar, hence enabling direct experimental access to the different eigenmodes via near-field optical microscopy. In this Letter, corresponding optical experiments are presented and compared with simple theoretical modeling, providing a direct confirmation of our previous, more indirect conclusions.

Extended verification of scaling behavior in split-ring resonators

We present an expanded LC-model for nanoscale split-ring resonators (SRR), including the influence of dielectric host materials. The LC-model is experimentally verified by changing the geometry of the SRR unit cell as well as by optofluidic tuning, where the SRR samples are covered with index oil. The extended model can be used as a general guideline for metal SRR structures with arbitrary dielectric host materials.

Terahertz Wave Transmission Properties of Metallic Periodic Structures Printed on a Photo-paper

We printed a one-dimensional array of metallic wires and a two-dimensional array of metallic split ring resonators on a photo-paper by using a high-dots-per-inch resolution printer and an ink with silver nano-particles. The printed sample sizes are lTEXg$1.0{\times}1.0cm^2$l/TEXg. The transmission measured by a terahertz time domain spectroscopy system shows that the arrays of wires and split ring resonators could act as polarizers and band-stop filters, respectively, in a terahertz frequency region.

Zero-bandwidth mode in a split-ring-resonator-loaded one-dimensional photonic crystal

We demonstrate that the resonance of metallic split-ring resonators can interact with Bragg phase interference effects in a surrounding one-dimensional photonic crystal in such a way that a zero-bandwidth mode arises within the photonic band gap of the crystal. The band can also be designed to exhibit forward or backward slow-light propagation. We present a very simple model to explain these phenomena and verify the results with numerical simulations. The dynamic tuning of the structure has potential for stopping light or time-reversal applications.

Impact of titanium adhesion layers on the response of arrays of metallic split-ring resonators (SRRs)

At higher frequencies (visible and infrared) both the dimensions and the individual metal properties play an important role in determining the resonant response of arrays of SRRs. As a result, a substantial difference between the responses of gold- and Al-based SRR arrays has been observed. Additionally, deposition of gold SRRs onto a substrate typically involves the use of an additional adhesion layer. Titanium (Ti) is the most common adhesive thin-film material used to attach gold onto dielectric/semiconductor substrates. In this paper we investigate the impact of the Ti adhesion layer on the overall response of Au-based nano-scale SRRs. The results quantify the extent to which the overall difference in the resonance frequencies between Au- and Al-based SRRs is due to the presence of the Ti. We show that even a 2-nm-thick Ti layer can red-shift the position of SRR resonance by 20 nm. Finally, we demonstrate that by intentional addition of titanium in the Au-based SRRs, their overall resonant response can be tuned widely in frequency, but at the expense of resonance magnitude.

Doping tunable resonance: Toward electrically tunable mid-infrared metamaterials

We demonstrate metamaterials at the mid-infrared (mid-IR) wavelengths (8–12 μm) that can be widely tuned by doping in adjacent semiconductor epilayers. The metamaterials are based on metallic split ring resonators (SRRs) fabricated on doped indium antimonide (InSb). Finite integral time-domain simulation results and measured transmission data show that the resonance blueshifts when the semiconductor electron carrier concentration is increased while keeping the split ring geometry constant. A resonant wavelength shift of 1.15 μm is achieved by varying the carrier concentration of underlying InSb epilayer from 1×1016 to 2×1018 cm−3. This work represents the first step toward active tunable metamaterials in the mid-IR where the resonance can be tuned in real time by applying an electric bias voltage to control the effective carrier density.

Three-dimensional bulk metamaterials operating in the terahertz range

Three-dimensional bulk metamaterials that operate in the terahertz (THz) frequency range were fabricated by stacking 100 two-dimensional sheets containing metallic split-ring resonators (SRR) on thin polyethylene terephthalate film substrates. The THz magnetic resonance for the incident magnetic field perpendicular to the plane of the SRR structure was measured. We also investigated the dependence of the magnetic resonant strength on the metal thickness.

Magnetic dipole moments in single and coupled split-ring resonators

We examine the role of magnetic dipoles in single and coupled pairs of metallic split-ring resonators by numerically computing their magnitude and examining their relative contributions to the scattering cross section. We demonstrate that magnetic dipoles can strongly influence the scattering cross section along particular directions. It is also found that the magnetic dipole parallel to the incident magnetic field and/or high-order multipoles may play a significant role in the linear response of coupled split-ring resonators.

Magnetic response of split ring resonators (SRRs) at visible frequencies

In this paper, we report on a substantial shift in the response of arrays of similarly sized Split Ring Resonators (SRRs), having a rectangular U-shaped form--and made respectively of aluminium and of gold. We also demonstrate that it is possible to obtain the polarization dependent LC peak in the visible spectrum--by using SRRs based on aluminium, rather than gold. The response of metallic SRRs scales linearly with size. At optical frequencies, metals stop behaving like nearly perfect conductors and begin displaying characteristically different behaviour, in accord with the Drude model. The response at higher frequencies, such as those in the visible and near infra-red, depends both on their size and on the individual properties of the metals used. A higher frequency limit has been observed in the polarization dependent response (in particular the LC resonance peak) of gold based SRRs in the near infrared region. By using aluminium based SRRs instead of gold, the higher frequency limit of the LC resonance can be further shifted into the visible spectrum.

Terahertz metamaterials fabricated by inkjet printing

Metamaterial layers designed for gigahertz to terahertz (THz)-frequencies have been fabricated by inkjet printing. The spectral response of the structures consisting of periodically arranged metallic split-ring resonators is characterized by THz-time-domain spectroscopy and compared with identical structures produced by conventional photolithography and etching techniques. The broader linewidth of their resonances is shown to originate mainly from structural inhomogeneities. Our study shows that inkjet printing is a viable route for producing metamaterial structures, allowing for rapid processing and flexibility in the choice of substrates.

Artificial magnetism and left-handed media from dielectric rings and rods

It is shown that artificial magnetism with relatively large frequency bandwidth can beobtained from periodic arrangements of dielectric rings. Combined with dielectric rods,dielectric rings can provide 3D isotropic left-handed metamaterials which are anadvantageous alternative to metallic split ring resonators (SRRs) and/or metallicwires when undetectability by low frequency external magnetic fields is desired.Furthermore it is shown that, unlike conventional SRRs, dielectric rings can also becombined with natural plasma-like media to obtain a left-handed metamaterial.

Terahertz metamaterial with asymmetric transmission

We show for the first time that a planar metamaterial, an array of coupled metal split-ring resonators with a unit cell lacking mirror symmetry, exhibits asymmetric transmission of terahertz radiation (0.25-2.5 THz) propagating through it in opposite directions. This intriguing effect, that is compatible with Lorentz reciprocity and time-reversal, depends on a directional difference in conversion efficiency of the incident circularly polarized wave into one of opposite handedness, that is only possible in lossy low-symmetry planar chiral metamaterials. We show that asymmetric transmission is linked to excitation of enantiomerically sensitive plasmons, these are induced charge-field excitations that depend on the mutual handedness of incident wave and metamaterial pattern. Various bands of positive, negative and zero phase and group velocities have been identified indicating the opportunity to develop polarization sensitive negative index and slow light media based on such metamaterials.

Effective-medium properties of metamaterials: A quasimode theory

Under the generalized coherent-potential approximation, we established a "quasimode" theory to study the effective-medium properties of electromagnetic metamaterials. With this theory, we calculate the self-energy, density of states (DOS), and mean-free paths for optical modes traveling inside a metamaterial, and then determine the effective permittivity and permeability of the metamaterial by maximizing the DOS function. Compared with the traditional methods for calculating effective-medium parameters, the present approach could provide quantitative judgments on how meaningful are the obtained effective-medium parameters. As illustrations, we employed the theory to study the effective-medium properties of several examples including finite metallic wires and split ring resonators.

Periodic Large‐Area Metallic Split‐Ring Resonator Metamaterial Fabrication Based on Shadow Nanosphere Lithography

A fast and cheap, large-area (>1 cm(2)), high-coverage fabrication technique for periodic metallic split-ring resonator metamaterials is presented, which allows control of inner- and outer-ring diameters, gap angles, as well as thickness and periodicity. This method, based on shadow nanosphere lithography, uses tilted-angle-rotation thermal evaporation onto Langmuir-Blodgett-type monolayers of close-packed polystyrene nanospheres. Excellent agreement of the process parameters with a simplified model is demonstrated. Pronounced, tunable optical metamaterial resonances in the range of 100 THz are consistent with simulations.

Infrared cloaking based on the electric response of split ring resonators

Electromagnetic cloak was recently demonstrated in the microwave domain using a metamaterial structure made of metallic split ring resonators (SRR) arranged in a cylindrical geometry. The SRRs were designed to provide a magnetic response that varied in an appropriate manner with the radial coordinate. In the present work, we propose an electromagnetic cloak, which exploits the electric response of gold SRRs instead of their magnetic response. Numerical simulations performed at infrared frequencies (~100 THz) reveal low loss and weak impedance mismatch, thereby proving the interest in using SRRs as ???universal??? atoms in the design of metamaterials. We also show that SRRs can be ultimately replaced by simple cut wires for the construction of approximate electromagnetic cloaks whose dielectric permittivity is the only parameter varying with space coordinates.

Filling the THz Gap

APPLIED PHYSICS At frequencies below a few hundred GHz, electrons are the information carriers of choice. For frequencies above a few THz, including infrared, the visible, and ultraviolet wavelengths, optical technologies prevail. The frequency range in between is referred to as the THz gap. Natural materials do not show much response in this gap range, even though there are many expected applications in the areas of biosensing, imaging, communication, and security. To help fill this gap, Tao et al. present a metamaterial—an artificial structure in which the electromagnetic response can be engineered by design—which has a strong response in the THz regime. By engineering a bilayer structure comprising a composite of metallic split-ring resonators, wires, and a polyimide spacer, they show that the electric permittivity and magnetic susceptibility response can be tuned separately. Such designed materials illustrate the potential of accessing a frequency range normally inaccessible to natural materials. — ISO Opt. Express 16 , 7181 (2008).

Negative index of refraction in metallic metamaterial comprising split-ring resonators

We numerically investigate the negative index of refraction in a metamaterial composed of metallic split-ring resonators, which exhibits simultaneously negative permittivity and permeability without resorting to additional metallic wires. It is confirmed that, in the left-handed band, negative permittivity is generated in analogy to the cut-wire metamaterial and negative permeability comes from the antisymmetric resonant mode, which occurs at a frequency band about 3 times higher than the fundamental magnetic resonance proposed by Pendry [IEEE Trans. Microwave Theory Tech. 47, 2075 (1999)].