Experimental verification of zero order bandgap in a layered stack of left-handed and right-handed materials

A theoretically, predicted bandgap corresponding to the zero volume-averaged refractive index is verified experimentally by measuring the scattering parameters of a one-dimensional layered stack composed of left-handed and right-handed materials. The unique property of the zero-(n) over bar gap, also denoted zero order bandgap, is verified by experiments, showing that unlike a conventional photonic band gap, the frequency corresponding to the zero order gap remains unchanged when the periodicity is altered. (c) 2006 Optical Society of America.