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Transformation optics and metamaterials

Nature Materials volume 9, pages 387–396 (2010)Cite this article

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Abstract

Underpinned by the advent of metamaterials, transformation optics offers great versatility for controlling electromagnetic waves to create materials with specially designed properties. Here we review the potential of transformation optics to create functionalities in which the optical properties can be designed almost at will. This approach can be used to engineer various optical illusion effects, such as the invisibility cloak.

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Figure 1: The folded geometry.
Figure 2: The coordinate transformations that give NIMs.
Figure 3: Complementary media external cloak.
Figure 4: Illusion optics.
Figure 5: A field concentrator and a field rotator.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by Hong Kong RGC grant numbers HKUST3/06C and 600209. Computation resources were supported by the Shun Hing Education and Charity Fund.

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  1. School of Physical Science and Technology, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, Jiangsu, China

    Huanyang Chen

  2. Department of Physics and William Mong Institute of Nano Science and Technology, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China

    C. T. Chan & Ping Sheng

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Chen, H., Chan, C. & Sheng, P. Transformation optics and metamaterials. Nature Mater 9, 387–396 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nmat2743

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