Zero index metamaterials with checkerboard structure

A metamaterial design is presented with an effectively zero index of refraction, which utilises Drude-type material blocks arranged in a checkerboard pattern within a nondispersive dielectric host. An averaging effect over constituent materials of the checkerboard structure yields an effective permittivity that approaches zero. This results in a metamaterial with a zero index of refraction and a high intrinsic impedance. A design example and the associated effective medium parameters are provided.