CNP optical metamaterials

Simulation results for optical metamaterials (MTMs) derived from active coated nano-particle (CNP) inclusions for operation in the visible range of the spectrum between 400nm and 700nm are presented. Several examples of optical MTMs designed with these inclusions are characterized, including two-dimensional (2D) CNP metafilms; three-dimensional (3D) periodic CNP arrays; and 3D random CNP distributions. The properties of these optical MTMs are explored using effective medium theories that are applicable to these inclusion configurations. The effective permittivities and refractive indexes of these optical MTMs are compared and contrasted to the scattering properties of their active CNP inclusions. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America.