What is negative refraction?

Martin W. McCall, Paul Kinsler, Alberto Favaro, Dan Censor

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

We will review the current status of various intrinsic definitions of negative refraction (i.e. negative phase velocity, or NPV, propagation which has been variously ascribed to counter-position of (i) the group velocity, (ii) the energy velocity, (iii) the Poynting Vector, with the wave vector of a plane wave in a medium. A key result is that simultaneously negative effective ε and μ can be achieved in a natural medium in motion. However, can this be said to result in observable phenomena? Recent progress in covariant methods has led to a more rigorous definition that is tied mathematically to what happens in the medium's rest frame. The challenge to produce a definition of NPV propagation that is not restricted to linear reference frames is also addressed. As well, progress has been made recently in clarifying the role of causality in deriving conditions for NPV propagation.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMetamaterials
Subtitle of host publicationFundamentals and Applications II
DOIs
StatePublished - 2 Nov 2009
EventMetamaterials: Fundamentals and Applications II - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: 2 Aug 20095 Aug 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7392
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceMetamaterials: Fundamentals and Applications II
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period2/08/095/08/09

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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