Negative Refractive Index Research Articles

Probability density functions for photon propagation in a binary (isotropic-Poisson) statistical mixture with unmatched positive and negative refractive indexes

The exact homogenized probability density function, for a photon making a step of length s has been analytically derived for a binary (isotropic-Poisson) statistical mixture with unmatched refractive indexes. The companions, exact, homogenized probability density functions for a photon to change direction (“scatter”), with polar ϑ and azimuthal φ angles, and the homogenized albedo, have also been obtained analytically. These functions also apply to negative refractive indexes and can reduce the number of Monte Carlo simulations needed for photon propagation in complex binary (isotropic-Poisson) statistical mixtures from hundreds to just one, for an equivalent homogeneous medium. Note, that this is not an approximate approach, but a mathematically equivalent and exact result. Additionally, some tutorial examples of homogenized Monte Carlo simulations are also given. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Studies of third order nonlinearity and thermal diffusivity of C3OC dye using thermal lens technique

An FT-IR spectrometer and a UV–Visible spectrometer were utilised in order to characterise the Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside chloride (C3OC) dye. The dye’s thermally induced optical nonlinearity was measured in a dimethylformamide solvent using an adjustable diode-pumped solid-state (DPSS) laser at 473 nm. The optical response was measured using the Z-scan technique. The dye showed negative and large nonlinear refractive index) NRX) values, with high nonlinear absorption coefficients (NBO). Because of its ability to change with concentration, the NRX is a viable candidate for applications in the field of nonlinear optics. Thermal lens (THS) technique was used to investigate thermo-optical properties and the NRX. The optical limiter capabilities of the C3OC dye are being investigated as a potential use.

Magnetic-field controlled on-off switchable non-reciprocal negative refractive index in non-Hermitian photon-magnon hybrid systems

Photon-magnon coupling, where electromagnetic waves interact with spin waves, and negative refraction, which bends the direction of electromagnetic waves unnaturally, constitute critical foundations and advancements in the realms of optics, spintronics, and quantum information technology. Here, we explore a magnetic-field-controlled, on-off switchable, non-reciprocal negative refractive index within a non-Hermitian photon-magnon hybrid system. By integrating an yttrium iron garnet film with an inverted split-ring resonator, we discover pronounced negative refractive index driven by the system’s non-Hermitian properties. This phenomenon exhibits unique non-reciprocal behavior dependent on the signal’s propagation direction. Our analytical model sheds light on the crucial interplay between coherent and dissipative coupling, significantly altering permittivity and permeability’s imaginary components, crucial for negative refractive index’s emergence. This work pioneers new avenues for employing negative refractive index in photon-magnon hybrid systems, signaling substantial advancements in quantum hybrid systems.

Optical nonlinear properties of a new polyamide from crystal violet terephthalate

In this study, the nonlinear optical properties of a new polymer poly crystal violet terephthalate (PCVT) as a solution and a thin film with different concentrations of 0.2, 0.6, and 1 mM and input power were investigated by using Z-scan technique at 532 nm CW laser beam wavelength. The negative nonlinear refractive index n 2 as well as reverse saturable and saturable absorption β of the solution and film PCVT samples were determined. Figures of merit were also determined. In comparison with the Z-scan results, a self-diffraction pattern setup was used to measure nonlinear refractive index. Results showed a significant laser power dependence of the number of far-field diffraction rings with power and concentration, consistent with the Z-scan data. The PCVT sample exhibited good optical limiting behavior. Hence, PCVT has important nonlinear properties, and its figures of merit can be optimized by adjusting the PCVT concentration and input power. PCVT is a promising candidate for the design of optical photonic switching and optical limiter devices.

Quantum Temporal Resonator: Temporal Displacement Using Quantum Entanglement and Metamaterials

This paper discusses the Quantum Temporal Resonator (QTR), a theoretical device leveraging quantum entanglement and metamaterials with negative refraction indices to achieve controlled temporal displacement. By establishing a network of entangled particles within a Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC) and utilizing a resonant cavity made of advanced metamaterials, the QTR creates localized distortions in spacetime. The frequency and amplitude of temporal harmonics within this cavity are finely tuned to allow for precise temporal displacement of matter and information. Numerical simulations demonstrate the coupling between the quantum wave function and electromagnetic fields, validating the theoretical model. The results show distinctive patterns in the wave function and perturbations in the electric field, supporting the feasibility of achieving controlled temporal displacement. This study explores the theoretical framework, mathematical modeling, experimental setup, and potential applications of the QTR, providing a comprehensive analysis of its feasibility and implications.

Recent Developments and Prospects of Electromagnetically Active Metamaterials in Biosensing

This paper provides an overview of the progress of research on electromagnetically active metamaterials in the field of biosensing, especially the potential of terahertz metamaterials for biosensor applications. Electromagnetically active metamaterials exhibit a negative refractive index and perfect absorption through their special structure, and their electromagnetic behavior is affected by their structure and geometry, which is different from traditional materials. The article reviews the application of terahertz technology for the bio-detection of cancer cells and apoptotic processes using periodic metal arrays by terahertz biosensors, demonstrating the advantages of terahertz biosensors, such as high sensitivity and detection without labeling. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the advancements in research concerning electromagnetically active metamaterials within the domain of biosensing, with a particular emphasis on the potential applications of terahertz metamaterials in biosensor technology. Electromagnetically active metamaterials are characterized by their negative refractive index and perfect absorption, which arise from their distinctive structural properties. The electromagnetic behavior of these materials is significantly influenced by their design and geometry, setting them apart from conventional materials. The article examines the utilization of terahertz technology for the bio-detection of cancer cells and apoptotic processes tunability, employing periodic metal arrays in terahertz biosensors. It underscores the advantages of terahertz biosensors, which include high sensitivity and the capability to detect biological entities without the necessity for labeling. Terahertz metamaterial biosensors are promising for protein, virus, and cancer cell detection. This paper also explores the design and application of chiral metamaterials, especially indium tin oxide-based mid-infrared chiral metamaterials, to solve the problem of the large size of traditional materials and investigates their circular dichroism. Looking ahead, electromagnetically active metamaterials, especially terahertz metamaterials, are expected to improve resolving power and sensitivity, reduce costs, and expand the applications of biosensors in the biomedical field. The applications and research of these sensors will continue to advance with the advancement of micro and nanoprocessing technologies.

Design of Unit Cells-Based Metamaterial Antenna

Abstract Artificial metallic structures with simultaneous negative permittivity (ɛ) and permeability (µ) that result in a negative refractive index are known as metamaterials. It supports backward waves, i.e., group velocities and inside Metamaterial phase velocities are antiparallel, because of its negative index. The shortcomings of a regular patch antenna, such as low gain and efficiency, can be overcome with the help of this metamaterial antenna, which is helpful for wireless communication. The shortcomings of a regular patch antenna, such as low gain and efficiency, can be overcome with the help of this metamaterial antenna, which is helpful for wireless communication. The effort is justified by the proposal to use DNG (Double Negative) Metamaterials to create compact planar antennas. Additionally, it has peculiar features when compared to materials that are easily obtained because of its negative permeability and permittivity, which results in a negative refractive index. Owing to the unique characteristics of Metamaterials, the antenna achieves 3.768 dB, 53.76 % overall efficiency, and a 1.6 VSWR at 5 GHz frequency using a single unit cell. These results are excellent for wireless LANs and point-to-point communication. Additionally, a different metamaterial antenna with three unit cells produces superior results at 5 GHz frequency, with a return loss of -13.51 dB, a gain of 5.19.17 dB, and an overall efficiency of 92.50% at 2.4 GHz, the results are 4.1830 dB, 60.78%, and -14.51 dB, respectively.

Antenna Optimization Using Metamaterials

Abstract Metamaterials are artificial structures engineered to exhibit electromagnetic properties not found in natural materials. These materials offer a diverse range of characteristics, including negative refractive index, reverse radiation, and electromagnetic cloaking. These unique properties find applications in microwave and optical domains, enabling improvements in antenna performance, the design of microwave filters, and the creation of flat optical lenses, among others. This study focuses on utilizing metamaterials to enhance antenna performance by boosting gain, reducing mutual coupling between MIMO antennas, converting polarization, and decreasing radar cross-section (RCS). The primary performance metric considered in this investigation is gain enhancement.

Optical characterization of reduced graphene Based composite thin films: Left- Handed Materials (Metamaterials)

Negative index material is a type of metamaterial with negative refractive index; being an artificial material, its fabrication is quite difficult, scaling up the production to meet the commercial demand is a challenge and the strong energy dissipation by metals poses another difficulty. This study employed a low cost, scalable technique (Electrodeposition) to synthesis Al and Ca doped NiO-ZnO-rGO thin films on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) without any complexing agents. The thin films were optically characterized using double Spectrophotometer within 300-1000 nm wavelength. Results reveal low absorption for all films but high transmittance of max. 78 % for luminum doped thin films. The incorporation of Al3+ and Ca2+ indicate the optical band gap of NiO-ZnO-rGO shifted to low energy (2.0 eV) and high energy (2.20 eV) respectively. All the composite thin films have unique features; negative refractive indexes, negative imaginary dielectric constant, and negative optical conductivity. These optical results of the films show they are novel left handed materials suitable for wider applications such as telemedicine, internet of things, transmission lines, energy storage devices, bio sensing, wearable devices etc.

Two-layered optimized metamaterial antenna with high gain and wide bandwidth for 5G mm-Wave applications

A two-layered high gain and wide bandwidth metamaterial antenna working at 29 GHz for mm-Wave applications is proposed in this paper. The metamaterial antenna has an overall compact size of 12.5 x 12.5 x 7.28 mm3. It is realized with a Rogers Duroid 5880 dielectric layer 0.78 mm thick used as substrate and a Rogers RO3010 dielectric layer 1.5 mm thick at distance 5 mm above the radiation element. The radiation element is composed of a square-cut-at-the-four-corners, patch antenna with probe pin feeding. In addition, for further antenna performance enhancement, negative refractive index printed metamaterials surround the patch antenna offering bandwidth and gain enhancement. Simulated results show a significantly wide bandwidth of 7.91 GHz ranging from 26.04 GHz to 33.95 GHz and a high peak realized gain of 12.2 dB. These features make the antenna a good candidate for 5G mm-Wave applications.

Stability of few-cycle light bullets in nonlinear metamaterials beyond the slowly varying envelope approximation

This letter explores stable few-cycle light bullets in nonlinear metamaterials beyond the slowly varying envelope approximation. Using a (3+1)-dimensional cubic-quintic complex Ginzburg-Landau equation, the letter explores solitonic behaviors of light bullets in materials with a negative refractive index under the few-cycle regime. The analysis involves a Lagrangian variational approach designed for dissipative nonlinear systems and utilizes direct numerical simulations to demonstrate the possibility of stable light bullets forming in metamaterials and corroborate the stability analysis. Based on the stability conditions for the system parameters using the Routh-Hurwitz criterion, optimal values of the cubic and quintic self-steepening effects promote stable propagation of light bullets, while an imbalance may lead to collapse. These findings suggest that combining few-cycle light bullets with metamaterial-based optics may enable new possibilities for ultrafast and nonlinear optics.

Morphology Characterization and Refractive Index Analysis of Subsurface Ultrashort‐Pulsed Laser Modifications in ZnS

A parameter study of ultrashort pulse laser‐induced modifications in the bulk of ZnS crystals is reported. Experimental results on these modifications and their dependence on the pulse energy, writing speed, and depth are presented, with an emphasis on cross‐sectional morphology and induced refractive index changes. Localized permanent material modifications have been inscribed in the bulk of the crystal using a laser with a center emission wavelength of 2.09 μm and a pulse duration of ≈4 ps. The morphology strongly depends on the laser and optical focusing parameters, in particular, on the pulse energy and processing speed, with a significant shift in depth dependence for short pulse‐to‐pulse separations. Depending on the applied pulse energy, distortions of the lateral profile of the refractive index changes appear in the form of oscillatory features in the transverse plane relative to the inducing laser beam. The true extent of the modified material is revealed by the alternating lateral profile with largest induced negative refractive index change, Δn, of −3.88 × 10−2 ± 0.18. Such parametric insight is of critical importance for the understanding and optimization of the fabrication process and for realizing compact 3D photonic devices in the bulk of materials in a reproducible manner.

Millimeter wave negative refractive index metamaterial antenna array

In this paper, a novel negative refractive index metamaterial (NIM) is developed and characterized. The proposed metamaterial exhibits negative effective permittivity (εeffe) and negative effective permeability (µeffe) at millimeter wave frequency of 28 GHz. This attractive feature is utilized to enhance the gain of a microstrip patch antenna (MPA). Two thin layers of 5 × 5 subwavelength unit cell array of NIM are placed above a single MPA to enhance the gain of the antenna. Each unit cell has an area of 3.4 × 3.4 mm2. A gain increase of 7.9 dBi has been observed when using the proposed NIM as a superstrate. Furthermore, the NIM array is placed over a 2 × 2 array of MPAs with four ports to demonstrate versatility of the metamaterial. The total size of the 2 × 2 antenna array system with N-MTM is about 61.1 × 34 × 16mm3 (5.71λ × 3.18λ × 1.5λ, where λ is the free-space wavelength at 28 GHz). The measurement result indicate that the maximum gain of the antenna array is 13.5dBi. A gain enhancement of 7.55 dB in E-Plane and 7.25 dB in H-Plane at the resonant frequency of 28 GHz is obtained. The proposed antenna structure is suitable for 5G millimeter wave communications, in particular, for possible implementation in future millimeter wave access points and cellular base stations.

High Q ultra-thin nona-band polarization insensitive homogeneous single layer metasurface for electronics and space industry with electromagnetic interference and antenna radar cross section reduction

In this article, a nona-band metasurface with unit cell dimensions of 0.038λo×0.038λo×0.019λo (20×20×1.0 mm3) is designed on a FR-4 substrate (Dielectric constant εr = 4.4 and loss tangent = 0.02) of 1.0 mm thickness with 35 µm copper (Conductivity = 5.8×107 S/m) cladding with unit cell periodicity is 20 mm. 10×10 metasurface array size is 200×200×1.0 mm3. In TE/TM mode, the absorbance is greater than 99 % at the intended frequency bands (i.e., 5.76, 8.6, 12.68, 14.38, 17.05, 17.94, 19.20, 20.88, 22.62, and 23.62 GHz), and its reflectivity is almost zero. Results indicated that the metasurface is found to extremely independent on the angles of polarization of the incident wave and the absorber is almost insensitive to the incident angle (0° – 90°) for TE/TM modes. The unit cell of metasurface is having negative permittivity, near zero permeability and negative refractive index at all intended bands which confirm exotic properties of the metasurface. The metasurface is having high quality-factor (Q = 72) at 5.76 GHz frequency therefore, this metasurface is also useful for dielectric sensing application in intended bands. The metasurfaces unparalleled properties make it suitable for EMI shielding, sensing applications in the C, X, and Ku-bands, the reduction of mono-static RCS, the improvement of isolation in MIMO antennas, and the reduction of unintended noise produced by copper components used in satellite and RADAR communication.

Low-frequency non-reciprocal sound propagation features in thermoacoustic waveguide.

Thermoacoustic waveguides are systems of hollow tubes and thermally graded porous segments that can operate as active materials where acoustic waves receive energy from an external heat source. This work demonstrates that by adjusting the pore geometry several unique low-frequency propagation features arise from the complex-valued band structure of periodic thermoacoustic waveguides that reflect into the acoustic pressure field within finite-length systems. Numerical methods have been employed to model waveguides with porous segments constituted by cylindrical inclusions (parallel pins). In periodic structures, a critical frequency emerges where the sign of the refractive index in one direction of propagation changes, thus zero- and negative-unidirectional refractive index, unidirectional energy transport, and amplification/attenuation crossover effects may take place. On the other hand, the study of the acoustic pressure field shows that, for wave packets with either direction of propagation, finite-length waveguides may behave as active acoustic metamaterials with zero- or negative-refractive index. The acoustic pressure field in the waveguide, generated by an upstream source, may exhibit increasing amplitude and phase recovery farther away from the source, mimicking the field created by a downstream source, propagating upstream in a non-active medium.

Band-gap tailoring and third-order optical nonlinearity enhancement through B-site V doping in SrSnO3 films

Perovskite oxide vanadium-doped strontium stannate (SrSn1-xVxO3) thin films with different concentrations x = 0.1–0.9 were fabricated by using pulsed-laser deposition, and the effects of V doping on the structure, optical band gap and the third-order optical nonlinearity were systematically investigated. With the increase of x value, the lattice parameters of SrSn1-xVxO3 decrease from 3.997 to 3.862 Å gradually, while the optical band gaps firstly increase from 4.18 to 4.26 eV, and then decrease to 3.66 eV with a boundary at x = 0.3. The third-order nonlinear optical responses were studied via the z-scan technique. The closed-aperture measurements show a negative nonlinear refractive index n2, and the open-aperture measurements demonstrate a saturable absorption β. Both n2 and β responses vary with the increase of V doping level. The maximum values of n2and β are 2.01×10−13 m2/W and 7.66×10−8 m/W, respectively, which are observed in the SrSn0.5V0.5O3sample. The metal-oxygen chemical bond along with the localized V5+Sn2+V5+complex contribute to the enhancement of optical nonlinearity.

Left-handed metamaterial based on circular split ring (CSRR) resonator for microwave sensing Application

This paper presents a new metamaterial structure specifically designed to operate in the L, S, and C frequency bands. It is characterized by a small unit cell size of 15mm × 15 mm. The metamaterial's electromagnetic properties are thoroughly examined, utilizing FR-4 substrate material and copper circular split ring resonators (CSRRs). The Computer Simulation Technology (CST) software uses the finite integration technique (FIT) to precisely model the effective parameters over a frequency range of 0–6 GHz. In simulations and experiments, the structure demonstrates negative refractive index, effective permittivity, and effective permeability. The electric and magnetic field distributions within the unit cell are accurately characterized using vector fields. In addition, the equivalent circuit is simulated and depicted using ADS software, with comparisons drawn between the measured data and the simulated data. The experimental validation, conducted using six varying thicknesses of FR4 materials, verifies the resemblance between the simulated and the measured transmission coefficients. Moreover, the effective medium ratio (EMR) of the metamaterial is calculated to be 12.74, indicating its promising capabilities for microwave sensing applications. The examination of the sensor model uncovers such metrics as quality factors, frequency detection resolution (FDR) values, and sensitivities, all of which enhance our comprehension of the material's performance. This discovery has the potential to advance the development of sensing metamaterials, which could significantly impact various applications and enhance research in the field.

Negative refractive index enhancement with zero absorption in a concentric chiral metal-atomic nanoshell

We investigate the electromagnetic chirality and negative refraction in a concentric nanoshell of a chiral metal sphere and a chiral atomic shell. The medium of the atomic shell with a four-level system is driven by a laser field and an incoherent pump field in a diamond configuration. We show that the electric and magnetic absorption spectra connecting through the chiral coefficients of the respective dipole moments of the two media, produce five and three lines spectral profiles. We explain that the spectral lines separated by dips are the manifestation of the classical (quantum) coherence effect of the wave field excitation in the medium of the metal sphere (atomic shell), and the interaction of the respective dipole moments at the interface of the two media. Furthermore, we show negative refraction with zero absorption without requiring permittivity (ϵ) and permeability (μ) simultaneously negative, where for all values of the incident wavelength, Re [μ] ≈ 1, representing a strong chiral electromagnetic behavior. Consequently, the negative refractive index enhances sufficiently beyond n = −1 for a wide range of parameters depending on the coupling parameters, chiral coefficients, and the radii ratio of the concentric metal-atomic nanoshell.

A Review of Metamaterials Cloaking for Military and Civilian Use

Metamaterials cloaking technology boasts a wide array of potential uses, spanning from military stealth applications to advancements in medical imaging. Metamaterials are specially engineered materials with unique characteristics absent in natural substances, such as negative refractive index, empowering them to manipulate electromagnetic waves in novel ways. The process of cloaking with metamaterials involves the bending of light or other electromagnetic waves around an object, effectively rendering it invisible or significantly reducing its detectability. This is accomplished through the intricate design of metamaterial structures capable of governing the flow of electromagnetic fields, diverting them away from the cloaked object. Among the most prominent applications of metamaterial cloaking is the development of invisibility cloaks. While primarily at the experimental stage, researchers have made substantial progress in crafting cloaking devices capable of concealing objects from specific wavelengths of light. These cloaks function by manipulating the path of light around an object, effectively creating the illusion of its absence. The potential applications of metamaterial cloaking encompass a broad spectrum, including invisibility, antennas and sensors, medical imaging, wireless communication, and stealth technology.

Negative elastic wave refraction and focusing regulation of single-phase solid phononic crystals

This paper presents the design of a single-phase solid phononic crystal (PnC) structure featuring a regular hexagonal perforation pattern. The structure manifests three negative refraction bands, encompassing one for transverse waves and two for longitudinal waves, thereby enabling simultaneous control of shear and longitudinal waves. Due to the high symmetry of the triangular lattice, the equal frequency curves corresponding to the negative refraction band approach circular shapes, suggesting a nearly isotropic negative refraction effect. This negative refraction effect is achieved through specific mass resonance modes closely related to the porous structure designed in this paper. Initially, we analyze the band structure of the PnC, followed by designing the PnC plate structure to achieve negative refraction control for transverse waves at a frequency of 32.4 kHz, with a negative refraction index of −1. Additionally, negative refraction control for longitudinal waves is attained at frequencies of 44 and 64.54 kHz. Subsequently, we scrutinize the influence of various conditions on negative refraction, including different structural parameters, incident angles, and operating frequencies, while verifying the robustness of the designed phonon crystal structure. Leveraging the negative refraction characteristics of the structure, we construct an elastic wave lens to achieve perfect imaging of shear and longitudinal waves. Finally, employing finite element simulation and analyzing focusing imaging characteristics with different source positions, we validate that the results closely align with theoretical expectations. The solid PnC structure designed in this study holds significant potential for applications in the fields of elastic wave imaging.