Using Metamaterials to Manipulate Light

Aug-09-11 According to reports, engineers from Duke University have developed a metamaterial that allows them to control the direction and frequency of light.

The current proof-of-concept device is about the size of a hardback book, and consists of parallel rows of individual pieces made of fiberglass and etched with copper circles. A diode spans a tiny gap in each circle and creates non-linearity when it is excited by microwave radiation passing through it. This allows the light to be controlled at will.

If the reports are accurate, this development is an important step toward the creation of a optical switcher that could dramatically increase transmission speed of data streams at a lower consumption of energy.

More Info about this Invention:

[GIZMAG.COM]
[DUKE]

---