Topologically induced transparency in a two-phase metamaterial

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that a metamaterial composed of two topologically distinct phases exhibits an unusual transparency window, allowing wave propagation despite individual phases being reflective, due to topological properties.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of topologically induced transparency in a two-phase metamaterial, supported by theoretical and numerical analysis of magnetoplasmon behavior.

Findings

Metamaterials with topologically distinct phases can support wave propagation in transparency windows.

The transparency effect arises from the topological properties of magnetoplasmons.

Naturally occurring materials may also exhibit similar topological transparency effects.

Abstract

It is theoretically and numerically demonstrated that a mixture of two topologically distinct material phases is characterized by an anomalous "transparency window" in a spectral range wherein the individual material phases are strongly reflecting. In particular, it is shown that a metamaterial formed by a metallic wire grid embedded in a magnetized plasma may support the propagation of waves with long wavelengths, notwithstanding the components, when taken separately, completely block the electromagnetic radiation. The effect is explained in terms of the topological properties of the magnetoplasmon. Furthermore, it is highlighted that some naturally available materials may be regarded as a mixture of two topologically distinct phases, and hence may be as well characterized by a similar anomalous transparency effect.