CANDIDATES FOR μ<0, ∊<0 NANOSTRUCTURES

Recent interest has been generated in composite materials for which both the dielectric constant and the magnetic permeability are negative. These composites behave as if they possess a negative index of refraction, although the broader, less specific adjective "left-handed" has also been applied to them. Such composites possess two sets of structures which are separately responsible for the negative ∊ and μ. However, materials having a negative μ are common in the microwave frequency range and such a material can replace one set of structures in the composite. An example of a simple composite is a YIG medium (μ<0) penetrated by sets of metallic strips or wires which give rise a negative dielectric constant in the appropriate frequency range. The index of refraction of the composite can be modulated by adjusting the applied magnetic field.