Experimental realization of epsilon-near-zero metamaterial slabs with metal-dielectric multilayers

TL;DR

This paper reports the experimental creation and analysis of epsilon-near-zero metamaterial slabs using metal-dielectric multilayers, demonstrating their optical properties and potential for advanced photonic applications.

Contribution

First experimental realization of ENZ metamaterial slabs at visible frequencies using metal-dielectric multilayers with comprehensive optical characterization.

Findings

Measured spectra match numerical simulations and nonlocality analysis.

Confirmed ENZ wavelength and effective permittivity.

Analyzed light propagation and directional emission in ENZ slabs.

Abstract

Epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) metamaterial slabs at visible frequencies based on metal-dielectric multilayers are experimentally realized. Transmission, reflection and absorption spectra are measured and used to determine the complex refractive indices and the effective permittivities of the ENZ slabs, which agree with the results obtained from both the numerical simulations and the optical nonlocalities analysis. Furthermore, light propagation in ENZ slabs and directional emission from ENZ prisms are also analyzed. The accurate determination of the ENZ wavelength for metal-dielectric multilayer metamaterial slabs is important for realizing many unique applications, such as phase front manipulation and enhancement of photonic density of states.