Vector circuit theory for spatially dispersive uniaxial magneto-dielectric slabs

We present a general dyadic vector circuit formalism, applicable for uniaxial magneto-dielectric slabs, with strong spatial dispersion explicitly taken into account. This formalism extends the vector circuit theory, previously introduced only for isotropic and chiral slabs. Here we assume that the problem geometry imposes strong spatial dispersion only in the plane, parallel to the slab interfaces. The difference arising from taking into account spatial dispersion along the normal to the interface is briefly discussed. We derive general dyadic impedance and admittance matrices, and calculate corresponding transmission and reflection coefficients for arbitrary plane wave incidence. As a practical example, we consider a metamaterial slab built of conducting wires and split-ring resonators, and show that neglecting spatial dispersion and uniaxial nature in this structure leads to dramatic errors in calculation of transmission characteristics.Comment: 11 pages, 6 figures, submitted to Journal of Electromagnetic Waves and Application

Structural tunability in metamaterials

We propose a novel approach for efficient tuning of the transmission characteristics of metamaterials through a continuous adjustment of the lattice structure, and confirm it experimentally in the microwave range. The concept is rather general and applicable to various metamaterials as long as the effective medium description is valid. The demonstrated continuous tuning of metamaterial response is highly desirable for a number of emerging applications of metamaterials including sensors, filters, switches, realizable in a wide frequency range

Nonlocal homogenization for nonlinear metamaterials

We present a consistent theoretical approach for calculating effective nonlinear susceptibilities of metamaterials taking into account both frequency and spatial dispersion. Employing the discrete dipole model, we demonstrate that effects of spatial dispersion become especially pronounced in the vicinity of effective permittivity resonance where nonlinear susceptibilities reach their maxima. In that case spatial dispersion may enable simultaneous generation of two harmonic signals with the same frequency and polarization but different wave vectors. We also prove that the derived expressions for nonlinear susceptibilities transform into the known form when spatial dispersion effects are negligible. In addition to revealing new physical phenomena, our results provide useful theoretical tools for analysing resonant nonlinear metamaterials

Self-oscillations in nonlinear torsional metamaterials

We study the nonlinear dynamics of torsional meta-molecules - sub-wavelength resonators with strong coupling between electromagnetic excitation and rotational deformation - and show that such structures may undergo self-oscillations. We develop a semi-an

Realistic metamaterial lenses: Limitations imposed by discrete structure

We study the peculiarities of a metamaterial "superlens," caused by its discrete structure and finite size. We show that precise modeling of the lens provides remarkable distinctions from continuous medium approximation. In particular, we address the problem of highest resolution that can be achieved with a realistic electrically thin metamaterial lens. We conclude that discrete structure imposes essential limitations on the resolution and that the resolution cannot be improved by decreasing dissipation in the system. Further implications related to effective medium description of discrete structures are discussed.Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia TEC2007-65376 y TEC2007-68013-C02- 01Unión Europea FEDER CSD2008-00066Junta de Andalucía TIC-25

Broadband isotropic μ-near-zero metamaterials

Natural diamagnetism, while being a common phenomenon, is limited to permeability values close to unity. Artificial diamagnetics, to the contrary, can be engineered to provide much lower values and may even possess an effective permeability close to zero. In this letter, we provide an experimental confirmation of the possibility to obtain extremely low permeability values by manufacturing an isotropic metamaterial composed of conducting cubes. We show that the practical assembly is quite sensitive to fabrication tolerances and demonstrate that permeability of about μ=0.15 is realisable.This work was supported by the Ministry of Education and Science of Russian Federation (Project 11.G34.31.0020), Dynasty Foundation (Russia), grant of the President of Russian Federation, and by the Australian Research Council (CUDOS Centre of Excellence CE110001018)