Design of Matched Zero-Index Metamaterials Using Non-Magnetic Inclusions in Epsilon-Near-Zero (ENZ) Media

TL;DR

This paper explores the design of non-magnetic inclusions in epsilon-near-zero media to create matched zero-index metamaterials, enhancing wave transmission and scattering properties.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to achieve simultaneous zero permittivity and permeability in metamaterials with non-magnetic inclusions, supported by analytical and numerical analysis.

Findings

Matched zero-index metamaterials improve waveguide bend transmission.

Scattering parameters are independent of inclusion arrangement.

Numerical demonstrations at microwave frequencies validate the concept.

Abstract

In this work, we study the electrodynamics of metamaterials that consist of resonant non-magnetic inclusions embedded in an epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) host medium. It is shown that the inclusions can be designed in such a way that both the effective permittivity and permeability of the composite structure are simultaneously zero. Two different metamaterial configurations are studied and analyzed in detail. For a particular class of problems, it is analytically proven that such matched zero-index metamaterials may help improving the transmission through a waveguide bend, and that the scattering parameters may be completely independent of the specific arrangement of the inclusions and of the granularity of the crystal. The proposed concepts are numerically demonstrated at microwaves with a metamaterial realization based on an artificial plasma.