Far Infrared Slab Lensing and Subwavelength Imaging in Crystal Quartz

TL;DR

This paper explores the use of negative refraction in anisotropic crystal quartz to achieve slab lensing and subwavelength imaging at room temperature, despite phonon damping effects.

Contribution

It demonstrates the feasibility of room-temperature slab lensing and subwavelength imaging using negative refraction in crystal quartz, supported by experimental and theoretical analysis.

Findings

Negative refraction observed in crystal quartz

Room-temperature slab lensing is feasible

Subwavelength imaging possible under certain conditions

Abstract

We examine the possibility of using negative refraction stemming from the phonon response in an anisotropic crystal to create a simple slab lens with plane parallel sides, and show that imaging from such a lens should be possible at room temperature despite the effects of absorption that are inevitably present due to phonon damping. In particular, we consider the case of crystal quartz, a system for which experimental measurements consistent with all-angle negative refraction have already been demonstrated. Furthermore, we investigate the possibility of subwavelength imaging from such materials, and show that it should be possible for certain configurations.