Sub-wavelength imaging by wire media

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel wire media lens that achieves sub-wavelength imaging at gigahertz frequencies through canalization, supported by theory, simulations, and experiments, enabling distortion-free image transport over long distances.

Contribution

It presents a new wire media lens design that transmits sub-wavelength images with minimal distortion using the canalization regime, validated by theoretical and experimental results.

Findings

Achieves λ/15 resolution at gigahertz frequencies

Demonstrates 18% bandwidth of operation

Supports distortion-free image transport over long distances

Abstract

Original realization of a lens capable to transmit images with sub-wavelength resolution is proposed. The lens is formed by parallel conducting wires and effectively operates as a telegraph: it captures image at the front interface and the transmit it to the back interface without distortion. This regime of operation is called canalization and is inherent in flat lenses formed by electromagnetic crystals. The theoretical estimations are supported by numerical simulations and experimental verification. Sub-wavelength resolution of $\lambda/15$ and 18% bandwidth of operation are demonstrated at gigahertz frequencies. The proposed lens is capable to transport sub-wavelength images without distortion to nearly unlimited distances since the influence of losses to the lens operation is negligibly small.