Refractive index switching based on loss controlling in a doped metamaterial slab

An all-optical refractive index switch is proposed based on coherent control of a doped double-negative metamaterial slab. By embedding the three-level atoms through the left-handed slab, the effective permittivity of the slab becomes a function of the doped atom’s susceptibility. Absorption properties manipulation of the doped atoms leads to active control over the total loss of the metamaterial slab. This way the refractive index of the slab can be switched between negative and positive by the change of the relative phase of the applied fields. This may offer active control over the transmission in a wide range from 0 to 0.58.