Tunable negative group index in metamaterial structures with large form birefringence

We experimentally verify the anomalous phase behavior in metamaterial structures with birefringent materials predicted by Mandatori, et. al. using form birefringent structures. Large birefringence as much as Delta n/n = 0.7 has been achieved by surface-treated form birefringent discs, making compact single layer Mandatori structures viable. With a reduced model of a single layer birefringent structure, the relationship between design parameters (thickness and orientation angle) and device operation and performance parameters (such as the center operation frequency, bandwidth, effective negative index, negative group index of refraction, and the transmission throughput) are derived and verified experimentally. Tunable group index of refraction from strong slow light of n(g) = 29.6 to fast light of n(g) = -1.1 are measured experimentally. (C) 2010 Optical Society of America