A metamaterial with multi-band left handed characteristic

A novel left handed (LH) metamaterial (LHM) with multi-band (MB) LH behavior is numerically and experimentally studied based on three split ring resonator pairs (SRRPs). The SRRPs are patterned on both sides of a single dielectric slab, featuring three magnetic resonances and two electric resonances. By cautiously designing the dimensions of each SRRP, the magnetic resonances and electric resonances can be individually controlled, and the resulting negative permeability and negative permittivity can be overlapped to engineer a MB LHM. The multiresonant mechanism has been studied from field distribution analysis and circuit model analysis. For demonstration, a prototype example was fabricated and measured. Good agreement between simulation and measurement is observed. Measurement results indicate two bands of negative refractive index (NRI) in 7.41–7.74 GHz and 9.8–10.4 GHz. The suggested novel LHM opens an alternative to prepare the cloaks, absorbers, antennas, and frequency selective surface (FSS) suitable for multifrequencies.     

Active microwave negative-index metamaterial transmission line with gain

We studied the active metamaterial transmission line at microwave frequency. The active composite right-handed or left-handed transmission line was designed to incorporate a germanium tunnel diode with a negative differential resistance property as the gain device at the unit cell level. Measurements of the fabricated planar transmission line structures with one-, two-, and three-unit cells showed that the addition of the dc pumped tunnel diodes not only provided gain but also maintained the left handedness of the transmission line metamaterial. Simulation results agree well with experimental observation. This work demonstrated that negative index material can be obtained with a net gain when an external source is incorporated.     

Low-loss negative-index metamaterial at telecommunication wavelengths

We fabricate and characterize a low-loss silver-based negative-index metamaterial based on the design of a recent theoretical proposal. Comparing the measured transmittance and reflectance spectra with theory reveals good agreement. We retrieve a real part of the refractive index of Re(n)= -2 around 1.5 microm wavelength. The maximum of the ratio of the real to the imaginary part of the refractive index is about three at a spectral position where Re(n)= -1. To the best of our knowledge, this is the best figure of merit reported for any negative-index photonic metamaterial to date.     

Realization of a three-functional-layer negative-index photonic metamaterial

We modify a recently theoretically suggested multilayer negative-index photonic metamaterial design and fabricate corresponding structures with up to three functional layers (seven actual layers) for the first time to our knowledge. Measured transmittance and reflectance spectra agree well with theory.     

Bistable and self-tunable negative-index metamaterial at optical frequencies

We introduce a metamaterial design composed of square plasmonic loops loaded by Kerr nonlinearities that combines enhanced nonlinear response with strong artificial magnetism, ensuring a negative refractive index with bistable and self-tunable response. We verify with full-wave simulations that positive-to-negative switching of refractive index may be obtained with moderate loss. The design of a finite-size metamaterial prism is also presented, supporting at the same frequency, and for the same light intensity, positive or inverted Snell refraction as a function of its previous excitation history.     

A new double negative metamaterial for multi-band microwave applications

This paper reveals the design and analysis of a new split-H-shaped metamaterial unit cell structure that is applicable for multi-band frequency range, and it shows negative permeability and permittivity at those frequency bands. In the basic design, the two separate split square resonators have been added by a metal link to form H-shape unit structure. Moreover, the analyses and comparison of the 1 × 1-array, 2 × 2-array structures and 1 × 1, 2 × 2 unit cell configurations have been investigated. All these configurations demonstrate its multi-band operating frequency (S-band, C-band, X-band, K _u -band) with double negative characteristics. The equivalent circuit model for the unit cell is presented to demonstrate the validation of the resonant behavior. The commercially available finite-difference time-domain based simulation software CST microwave studio has been used to get the reflection and transmission parameters of the unit cell. In summation, the material also exhibits single negative characteristics in the multi-band frequency range if it is projected on the 20 × 20 mm² substrates. The simplicity, scalability, double negative characteristics, and multi-band operations have made this design novel in the electromagnetic paradigm.     

Controlling the second harmonic in a phase-matched negative-index metamaterial

Nonlinear metamaterials have been predicted to support new and exciting domains in the manipulation of light, including novel phase-matching schemes for wave mixing. Most notable is the so-called nonlinear-optical mirror, in which a nonlinear negative-index medium emits the generated frequency towards the source of the pump. In this Letter, we experimentally demonstrate the nonlinear-optical mirror effect in a bulk negative-index nonlinear metamaterial, along with two other novel phase-matching configurations, utilizing periodic poling to switch between the three phase-matching domains.     

Broadband 3D isotropic negative-index metamaterial based on fishnet structure

In this paper, we numerically demonstrate a broadband 3D isotropic negative index metamaterial (NIM) at microwave frequency ranges, which is composed of double periodic array metallic fishnet structure (FS) etched on the six sides of a cubic dielectric substrate. The electric and magnetic L-C resonance circuit models are constructed to demonstrate the broadband resonance properties of the proposed 3D metamaterial. The finite integration technology (FIT) simulation and standard S parameters retrieval methods are used to calculate and analyze the negative characteristics, isotropy and polarization of the 3D model. The numerical results show that the negative index bandwidth is about 7 GHz and relative bandwidth can be up nearly to 63%, the negative-index pass band is independent of the polarization of incident waves and is almost the same for different oblique incident angles. Thus, the proposed metamaterial is good candidate as a broad-band 3D isotropic NIMs.     

Tunable multi-band terahertz absorber based on graphene nano-ribbon metamaterial

The tunable multi-band selective absorption effect with graphene nano-ribbon metamaterial is investigated. It is achieved by depositing a set of graphene nano-ribbons on a dielectric spacer backed with a metallic mirror. A dual-band and tri-band absorbers are designed to illustrate such multi-band selective absorption behavior. The designed graphene absorbers exhibit near-unity absorption at multiple resonance frequencies, which is attributed to the plasmonic resonance of graphene nano-ribbons with different widths. Moreover, the multiple resonance wavelengths can be tuned in a wide frequency range by changing the Fermi energy and the absorbers possess large angle insensitivity. Last, a Fabry-Perot model is employed to give a physical understanding of such multi-band selective absorption effect. It is believed that the conclusions may be useful for designing of next-generation graphene-based optoelectronic devices.     

Enhanced diffraction from a grating on the surface of a negative-index metamaterial

We show by numerical simulation as well as by measurements on negative-index metamaterial wedge samples, that the unavoidable stepping of the refraction interface-due to the finite unit-cell size inherent to metamaterials-can give rise to a well-defined diffracted beam in addition to the negatively refracted beam. The direction of the diffracted beam is consistent with elementary diffraction theory; however, the coupling to this higher order beam is much larger than would be the case for a positive index material. The results confirm recent theoretical predictions of enhanced diffraction for negative-index grating surfaces.     

双向多频超材料吸波器的设计与实验研究

利用金属线单元组合法, 仿真设计并制作了一种在通信频段(0.8-3GHz)的双向多频超材料吸波器. 仿真与实验结果表明: 该吸波器对于不同极化和宽角度入射的电磁波有三个稳定的吸波频点, 分布在2.04GHz, 2.34GHz和2.65GHz, 吸收率分别达到92.3%, 95.3%和94.7%. 该吸波器设计简单、灵活性强、吸收效果好、易于加工, 为通信领域的电磁屏蔽或抗电磁干扰提供了新的方法. 关键词： 超材料 双向多频吸收 极化不敏感 宽角度入射     

A compact square-shaped left-handed passive metamaterial with optimized quintuple resonance frequencies for satellite applications

The research aims to develop a more sophisticated novel left-handed and compact square-shaped metamaterial (SM) inspired multi-frequency bands like C-, X- and Ku-band applications. Even though the performance of existing satellite application devices are adequate, significant changes in technology over the past decades require advanced and more accurate techniques or devices. Hence, we approach the problem with a broader perspective by integrating a metamaterial structure in satellite application devices. As a general rule, the unconventional material known as metamaterial has extraordinary electromagnetic properties which are impracticable in commercially available materials. It represents an important study topic because this type of peculiar material is generally used in many field applications which encouraged us to experiment with the stated frequency bands by introducing a novel SM design. The novel SM design structure involved a 1.6 mm Epoxy Resin Fibre (FR-4) substrate material. This compact metamaterial design contains nine square rings with an altered small square ring joined in it. The numerical simulation of the SM design for satellite frequencies was performed using the Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio. The scattering parameters of the suggested SM design were determined by utilising Finite Integration Technique (FIT) in CST software. Several parametric studies that were analysed in this study include various design structure, types of substrate materials and SM array arrangement. Based on the adapted simulated frequency range (4 to 18 GHz), the unit cell SM exhibited five resonance frequencies at 5.49 and 7.33 GHz (in C-Band), 9.05 and 11.38 GHz (in X-Band) and 13.48 GHz (in Ku-Band). The measured resonance frequencies of the unit cell were 5.62 and 7.39 GHz (in C-Band), 9.15 and 11.32 GHz (in X-Band) and 13.51 GHz (in Ku-Band). The resonance frequencies obtained from both methods were similar. According to all three resonance frequencies, the SM design manifested a left-handed characteristic. Hence, on this basis, the proposed SM design with unique characteristics is deemed suitable for C-, X- and Ku-bands applications.     

Achieving a multi-band metamaterial perfect absorber via a hexagonal ring dielectric resonator

A multi-band absorber composed of high-permittivity hexagonal ring dielectric resonators and a metallic ground plate is designed in the microwave band.Near-unity absorptions around 9.785 GHz,11.525 GHz,and 12.37 GHz are observed for this metamaterial absorber.The dielectric hexagonal ring resonator is made of microwave ceramics with high permittivity and low loss.The mechanism for the near-unity absorption is investigated via the dielectric resonator theory.It is found that the absorption results from electric and magnetic resonances where enhanced electromagnetic fields are excited inside the dielectric resonator.In addition,the resonance modes of the hexagonal resonator are similar to those of standard rectangle resonators and can be used for analyzing hexagonal absorbers.Our work provides a new research method as well as a solid foundation for designing and analyzing dielectric metamaterial absorbers with complex shapes.     

Simulated and experimental studies of a multi-band symmetric metamaterial absorber with polarization independence for radar applications

We develop a simple new design for a multi-band metamaterial absorber (MTMA) for radar applications. Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Studio Suite 2018 was used for the numerical analysis and absorption study. The simulated results show four high peaks at 5.6 GHz, 7.6 GHz, 10.98 GHz, and 11.29 GHz corresponding to absorption characteristics of 100%, 100%, 99%, and 99%, respectively. Furthermore, two different structures were designed and compared with the proposed MTMA. The proposed structure remained insensitive for any incident angle and polarization angle from 0° to 60°. Moreover, negative constitutive parameters were retrieved numerically. To support the simulated results, the proposed design was fabricated by using a computer numerical control-based printed circuit board prototyping machine and tested experimentally in a microwave laboratory. The absorption mechanism of the proposed MTMA is presented through the surface current and electric field distributions. The novelties of the proposed structure are a simple and new design, ease of fabrication, low cost, durability, suitability for real-time applications and long-term stability given the fabrication technique and non-destructive measurement method and very high absorption. The proposed structure has potential applications in C and X band frequency ranges.     

A multi-band atomic candle with microwave-dressed Rydberg atoms

Stabilizing important physical quantities to atom-based standards lies at the heart of modern atomic, molecular and optical physics, and is widely applied to the field of precision metrology. Of particular importance is the atom-based microwave field amplitude stabilizer, the so-called atomic candle. Previous atomic candles are realized with atoms in their ground state, and hence suffer from the lack of frequency band tunability and small stabilization bandwidth, severely limiting their development and potential applications. To tackle these limitations, we employ microwave-dressed Rydberg atoms to realize a novel atomic candle that features multi-band frequency tunability and large stabilization bandwidth. We demonstrate amplitude stabilization of microwave field from C-band to Ka-band, which could be extended to quasi-DC and terahertz fields by exploring abundant Rydberg levels. Our atomic candle achieves stabilization bandwidth of 100 Hz, outperforming previous ones by more than two orders of magnitude. Our simulation indicates the stabilization bandwidth can be further increased up to 100 kHz. Our work paves a route to develop novel electric field control and applications with a noise-resilient, miniaturized, sensitive and broadband atomic candle.     

各向异性超常媒质矩形波导的导波特性研究

研究中通过建立和求解填充各向异性超常媒质的矩形波导TE模式和TM模式的波动方程和场分布方程,讨论了各向异性超常媒质矩形波导的有效介电常数、有效磁导率、相位常数以及传输系数与所填充超常媒质本构参数之间的变化关系.研究发现,填充了各向异性超常媒质的矩形波导的导波特性在截止频率之上的频率区域,其导波特性由所填充超常媒质的横向本构参数决定,而与超常媒质的纵向本构参数无关.但是,在截止频率之下的频率区域,该矩形波导的导波特性则由所填充超常媒质的横向本构参数和纵向本构参数共同决定.研究中通过典型的计算实例对所得到的结 关键词： 各向异性 超常媒质 矩形波导 导波特性     

含负折射率材料空芯Bragg光纤的束缚损耗特性

将负折射率材料引入到空芯Bragg光纤包层中,形成具有正负折射率介质层交替的空芯Bragg光纤,运用传输矩阵理论对该Bragg光纤的束缚损耗特性进行分析和计算,并与传统的全正折射率介质层Bragg光纤的束缚损耗进行对比。结果发现:在最低损耗方面含负折射率材料的空芯Bragg光纤没有表现出任何优势,但在最低损耗点附近的损耗小于全正折射率介质层Bragg光纤,损耗曲线比较平滑,并且传输波长范围较宽;当空气作为一个介质层的材料时,两种Bragg光纤的束缚损耗特性几乎一致;当减小包层折射率对比时出现了与全正折射率介质层Bragg光纤不同的现象,损耗曲线变的更为平滑,说明传输波长范围变宽了。     

A metamaterial absorber with direction-selective and polarisation-insensitive properties

This paper reports the design of a metamaterial absorber with direction-selective and polarisation-insensitive property.Both theoretical and simulated results reveal that the absorber has a distinct absorption point with direction selectivity at 7.48 GHz,which is related to the resonance of the metamaterial and is not influenced by the polarisation.The retrieved impedance indicates that the impedance of the absorber can be tuned to approximatively match the impedance of the free space on one side and not to match the impedance of the free space on the other side.This design can result in the minimal reflectance,the minimal transmission and the highest absorbance at the absorption frequency.The distribution of the power loss indicates that the absorber is an excellent electromagnetic wave collector:the wave is first trapped and reinforced in certain specific locations,and then mostly consumed.The distribution of the surface current is consistent with the design,the retrieved impedance and the distribution of the power loss.This absorber may have applications in many scientific and technological areas.     

三维各向异性超常媒质交错结构的亚波长谐振特性研究

以填充各向异性超常媒质矩形波导中的电磁场解为基础,通过建立与求解填充各向异性超常媒质交错结构的矩形谐振腔的谐振方程,深入研究了三维各向异性超常媒质交错结构的亚波长谐振特性.结果发现,三维各向异性超常媒质交错结构的亚波长谐振条件具有更为多样性的物理解,在固定参数下,其物理解的个数往往超过一个,还针对谐振结构的横向尺寸对亚波长谐振条件的影响进行了讨论.结果表明,随着横向尺寸的减小亚波长谐振条件的物理解数量将逐渐增多直至趋于无穷.这意味着即使超常媒质的本构参数无法控制,仍然可以通过调节谐振结构的横向尺寸来得到亚波长谐振腔. 关键词： 各向异性 超常媒质 交错结构 亚波长谐振     

An improved fishnet three-dimensional metamaterial with multiband left-handed characteristics at terahertz frequencies

We present the design of a multiband left-handed three-dimensional (3D) metamaterial based on improved fishnet structure at terahertz frequencies. The design realizes a three-dimensional material by mechanical stacking of multiple layers. The electromagnetic properties of the metamaterial have been investigated by numerical simulation. The results show that simultaneously negative values of permittivity, permeability and refractive index are found around the frequencies of 0.73, 0.85 and 1.12 THz for the electromagnetic wave normal incidence. The proposed metamaterial with independent polarization and compact effect offers a way to develop THz 3D materials and devices suitable for multifrequencies.