Negative index bulk metamaterial at terahertz frequencies

We present a bulk metamaterial with negative refractive index in the terahertz frequency range. The structure is composed of pairs of metallic crosses embedded in Benzocyclobutene (BCB). The design is specifically chosen to provide a low-loss, free-standing material which operates under normal incidence and independently of the polarization of the incident radiation. These qualities allow the fabrication of 3D structures by mechanical stacking of multiple thin films. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America.