Breaking bandwidth limits in transformation optics with Brewster-enhanced metamaterials

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Authors: Xiaojun Hu, Yu Luo, Jingxin Tang, Chun Wang, Yuan Gao, Jingjing Zhang, Yi Zhang, Dexin Ye
Cited by: 1
References: 47

Abstract

Transformation optics (TO) enables unprecedented electromagnetic wave manipulation through the theory of coordinate transformations, yet its practical implementation has been fundamentally constrained by narrowband operation stemming from extreme material requirements. To break this spectral bottleneck, a dual-mode metamaterial architecture synergizing Brewster-angle broadband transmission with Fabry-Pérot multiband resonance is proposed. This approach leverages cascaded impedance-engineered slot cavities-constructed from conventional dielectrics and standard metallic patterning-to achieve transformation invariance while eliminating exotic material needs. This framework enables two spectral functionalities simultaneously in a single platform: (i) omnidirectional multiband operation through discrete resonances and (ii) broadband unidirectional performance via angular-selective Brewster transmission. Experimental validation demonstrates a full-parameter invisibility cloak maintaining >88.4% transmittance across X-band frequencies (7.5-12.5 GHz) with ±70[Formula: see text] angular tolerance, alongside a retroreflector achieving near-unity efficiency in X/K bands (12-24 GHz) within ±60[Formula: see text] illumination. By resolving the fundamental conflict between bandwidth and geometric complexity in TO designs, this work establishes a scalable paradigm for multifunctional wave-control devices spanning radar stealth to next-generation communications.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications Advanced Antenna and Metasurface Technologies Plasmonic and Surface Plasmon Research

Publication details

Journal / source
National Science Review
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Volume
13
Issue
5
Pages
nwag023–nwag023
Publication date
13 January 2026
Language
EN