Imaging properties of a metamaterial superlens

The subwavelength imaging quality of a metamaterial superlens is studied numerically in the wave vector domain. Examples of image compression and magnification are given and resolution limits are discussed. A minimal resolution of lambda/6 is obtained using a 36 nm silver film at 364 nm wavelength. Simulation also reveals that the power flux is no longer a good measure to determine the focal plane of superlens due to the elevated field strength at exit side of the metamaterial slab. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.