Universal metamaterial absorbe

TL;DR

This paper introduces a universal metamaterial absorber capable of achieving near-perfect absorption across a wide range of frequencies, polarization states, and angles, using a scalable design based on a magnetic Fabry-Perot mode.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel, scalable design for an ultra-thin, tunable perfect absorber that works across various materials and frequencies, independent of specific material choices.

Findings

Achieves up to 99.8% absorption at resonance.

Operates across visible to microwave frequencies.

Works for all polarization states and wide angles.

Abstract

We propose a design for an universal absorber, characterized by a resonance frequency that can be tuned from visible to microwave frequencies independently of the choice of the metal and the dielectrics involved. An almost resonant perfect absorption up to 99.8 % is demonstrated at resonance for all polarization states of light and for a very wide angular aperture. These properties originate from a magnetic Fabry-Perot mode that is confined in a dielectric spacer of $\lambda/100$ thickness by a metamaterial layer and a mirror. An extraordinary large funneling through nano-slits explains how light can be trapped in the structure. Simple scaling laws can be used as a recipe to design ultra-thin perfect absorbers whatever the materials and the desired resonance wavelength, making our design truly universal.