David Schurig

Bio: David Schurig is an academic researcher from University of Utah. The author has contributed to research in topics: Metamaterial & Lens (optics). The author has an hindex of 33, co-authored 107 publications receiving 22899 citations. Previous affiliations of David Schurig include Duke University & University of California, San Diego.

Thickness dependence of magnetoresistance in La–Ca–Mn–O epitaxial films

Abstract: Colossal magnetoresistance in excess of 106% has been obtained (at 110 K, H=6 T) in epitaxially grown La–Ca–Mn–O thin films. The as‐deposited film exhibits a substantial magnetoresistance value of 39 000%, which is further improved by heat treatment. The magnetoresistance is found to be strongly dependent on film thickness, with the value reaching the maxima at ∼1000 A thickness, and then reduced by orders of magnitude when the film is made thicker than ∼2000 A. This behavior is interpreted in terms of lattice strain in the La–Ca–Mn–O films.

The asymmetric lossy near-perfect lens

Abstract: We extend the ideas of the perfect lens recently proposed [J.B. Pendry, Phys. Rev. Lett. 85, 3966 (2000)] to an alternative structure. We show that a slab of a medium with negative refractive index bounded by media of different positive refractive index also amplifies evanescent waves and can act as a near-perfect lens. We examine the role of the surface states in the amplification of the evanescent waves. The image resolution obtained by this asymmetric lens is more robust against the effects of absorption in the lens. In particular, we study the case of a slab of silver, which has a negative dielectric constant, with air on one side and other media such as glass or GaAs on the other side as an ‘asymmetric’ lossy near-perfect lens for p-polarized waves. It is found that retardation has an adverse effect on the imaging due to the positive magnetic permeability of silver, but we conclude that subwavelength image resolution is possible in spite of it.

Negative refraction of modulated electromagnetic waves

Abstract: We show that a modulated Gaussian beam undergoes negative refraction at the interface between a positive and negative refractive index material. While the refraction of the beam is clearly negative, the modulation interference fronts are not normal to the group velocity, and thus exhibit a sideways motion relative to the beam—an effect due to the inherent frequency dispersion associated with the negative index medium. In particular, the interference fronts appear to bend in a manner suggesting positive refraction, such that for a plane wave, the true direction of the energy flow associated with the refracted beam is not obvious.

Transformation-designed optical elements.

Abstract: We describe transformation design of optical elements which, in addition to image transfer, perform useful operations. For one class of operations, including translation, rotation, mirroring and inversion, an image can be generated that is ideal in the sense of the perfect lens (combining both near- and far-field components in a flat, unit transfer function, up to the limits imposed by material imperfection). We also describe elements that perform magnification, free from geometric aberrations, even while providing free-space working distance on both the input and output sides. These magnifying elements also operate in the near- and far-field, allowing them to transfer near field information into the far field, as with the hyper lens and other related devices, however in contrast to those devices, insertion loss can be much lower, due to the matching properties accessible with transformation design. The devices here described inherently require dispersive materials, thus chromatic aberration will be present, and the bandwidth limited.

Free-space microwave focusing by a negative-index gradient lens

Abstract: Metamaterial structures designed to have simultaneously negative permittivity and permeability are known as left-handed materials. Their complexity and our understanding of their properties have advanced rapidly to the point where direct applications are now viable. We present a radial gradient-index lens with an index of refraction ranging from −2.67 (edge) to −0.97 (center). Experimentally, we find that the lens can produce field intensities at the focus that are greater than that of the incident plane wave. These results are obtained at 10.3GHz and in excellent agreement with full-wave simulations. We also demonstrate an advanced fabrication technique using conventional printed circuit board technology which offers significant design, mechanical, and cost advantages over other microwave lens constructions.

Controlling Electromagnetic Fields

Abstract: Using the freedom of design that metamaterials provide, we show how electromagnetic fields can be redirected at will and propose a design strategy. The conserved fields-electric displacement field D, magnetic induction field B, and Poynting vector B-are all displaced in a consistent manner. A simple illustration is given of the cloaking of a proscribed volume of space to exclude completely all electromagnetic fields. Our work has relevance to exotic lens design and to the cloaking of objects from electromagnetic fields.

Metamaterial Electromagnetic Cloak at Microwave Frequencies

Abstract: A recently published theory has suggested that a cloak of invisibility is in principle possible, at least over a narrow frequency band. We describe here the first practical realization of such a cloak; in our demonstration, a copper cylinder was "hidden" inside a cloak constructed according to the previous theoretical prescription. The cloak was constructed with the use of artificially structured metamaterials, designed for operation over a band of microwave frequencies. The cloak decreased scattering from the hidden object while at the same time reducing its shadow, so that the cloak and object combined began to resemble empty space.

Light Propagation with Phase Discontinuities: Generalized Laws of Reflection and Refraction

Abstract: Conventional optical components rely on gradual phase shifts accumulated during light propagation to shape light beams. New degrees of freedom are attained by introducing abrupt phase changes over the scale of the wavelength. A two-dimensional array of optical resonators with spatially varying phase response and subwavelength separation can imprint such phase discontinuities on propagating light as it traverses the interface between two media. Anomalous reflection and refraction phenomena are observed in this regime in optically thin arrays of metallic antennas on silicon with a linear phase variation along the interface, which are in excellent agreement with generalized laws derived from Fermat’s principle. Phase discontinuities provide great flexibility in the design of light beams, as illustrated by the generation of optical vortices through use of planar designer metallic interfaces.

Perfect metamaterial absorber.

Abstract: We present the design for an absorbing metamaterial (MM) with near unity absorbance A(omega). Our structure consists of two MM resonators that couple separately to electric and magnetic fields so as to absorb all incident radiation within a single unit cell layer. We fabricate, characterize, and analyze a MM absorber with a slightly lower predicted A(omega) of 96%. Unlike conventional absorbers, our MM consists solely of metallic elements. The substrate can therefore be optimized for other parameters of interest. We experimentally demonstrate a peak A(omega) greater than 88% at 11.5 GHz.

Flat Optics With Designer Metasurfaces

Abstract: Metamaterials are artificially fabricated materials that allow for the control of light and acoustic waves in a manner that is not possible in nature. This Review covers the recent developments in the study of so-called metasurfaces, which offer the possibility of controlling light with ultrathin, planar optical components. Conventional optical components such as lenses, waveplates and holograms rely on light propagation over distances much larger than the wavelength to shape wavefronts. In this way substantial changes of the amplitude, phase or polarization of light waves are gradually accumulated along the optical path. This Review focuses on recent developments on flat, ultrathin optical components dubbed 'metasurfaces' that produce abrupt changes over the scale of the free-space wavelength in the phase, amplitude and/or polarization of a light beam. Metasurfaces are generally created by assembling arrays of miniature, anisotropic light scatterers (that is, resonators such as optical antennas). The spacing between antennas and their dimensions are much smaller than the wavelength. As a result the metasurfaces, on account of Huygens principle, are able to mould optical wavefronts into arbitrary shapes with subwavelength resolution by introducing spatial variations in the optical response of the light scatterers. Such gradient metasurfaces go beyond the well-established technology of frequency selective surfaces made of periodic structures and are extending to new spectral regions the functionalities of conventional microwave and millimetre-wave transmit-arrays and reflect-arrays. Metasurfaces can also be created by using ultrathin films of materials with large optical losses. By using the controllable abrupt phase shifts associated with reflection or transmission of light waves at the interface between lossy materials, such metasurfaces operate like optically thin cavities that strongly modify the light spectrum. Technology opportunities in various spectral regions and their potential advantages in replacing existing optical components are discussed.