Mechanical motion and spatiotemporal modulation to realize non-reciprocal and active metamaterials

D. L. Sounas, L. Quan, Y. Hadad, A. Alu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Non-static media have recently raised significant attention in the research community for their ability to break reciprocity without the use of magnetic fields. Different approaches to realize such media have been proposed in electromagnetics and acoustics, including mechanical motion and spatiotemporal modulation. Here, we connect these two approaches and show that they can both be derived from the same fundamental relativistic principles. We start our analysis with linear mechanical motion, and show that in the case of near-zero refractive index it is possible to achieve positive and negative refractive index for opposite propagation directions. Next, we show that a similar effect can be achieved with a moving Bragg grating, which can be realized through spatiotemporal modulation, thus avoiding any practically-challenging physical motion. We also show that similar remarks apply to the case of spinning ring resonators, which can form the basis of magnet-less acoustical and electromagnetic circulators. Finally, we discuss the consequences of the equivalence between physical motion and spatiotemporal modulation to applications beyond non-reciprocity, such as spontaneous light generation from dielectric or plasmonic slabs in relative motion with each other.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2016 10th International Congress on Advanced Electromagnetic Materials in Microwaves and Optics, METAMATERIALS 2016
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages343-345
Number of pages3
ISBN (Electronic)9781509018031
DOIs
StatePublished - 16 Nov 2016
Externally publishedYes
Event10th International Congress on Advanced Electromagnetic Materials in Microwaves and Optics, METAMATERIALS 2016 - Crete, Chania, Greece
Duration: 19 Sep 201622 Sep 2016

Publication series

Name2016 10th International Congress on Advanced Electromagnetic Materials in Microwaves and Optics, METAMATERIALS 2016

Conference

Conference10th International Congress on Advanced Electromagnetic Materials in Microwaves and Optics, METAMATERIALS 2016
Country/TerritoryGreece
CityCrete, Chania
Period19/09/1622/09/16

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Radiation
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Mechanical motion and spatiotemporal modulation to realize non-reciprocal and active metamaterials'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this