Open AccessSynthesizing low loss negative index metamaterial stacks for the mid-infrared using genetic algorithms
Author(s) -
Jeremy A. Bossard,
Seokho Yun,
Douglas H. Werner,
Theresa S. Mayer
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.17.014771
Subject(s) - metamaterial , stack (abstract data type) , figure of merit , metamaterial absorber , materials science , optics , refractive index , electrical impedance , impedance matching , optoelectronics , metamaterial antenna , infrared , absorption (acoustics) , computer science , tunable metamaterials , physics , telecommunications , quantum mechanics , directional antenna , antenna (radio) , slot antenna , programming language
Negative index metamaterial designs for the mid-infrared with low absorption and impedance mismatch losses are presented. A robust genetic algorithm is employed to optimize the flexible metamaterial structure for targeted refractive index and impedance values. A new figure of merit is introduced to evaluate the impedance match of the metamaterial to free space. Two designs are presented demonstrating low-loss characteristics for a thin metamaterial with two metal screens and a thick metamaterial stack with five screens. The device performance is analyzed when adding more screens to the structure, revealing that optimizing a thick stack produces a metamaterial with properties approaching those of a bulk material.