Negative refractive index in optics of metal-dielectric composites

Specially designed metal-dielectric composites can have a negative refractive index in the optical range. Specifically, it is shown that arrays of single and paired nanorods can provide such negative refraction. For pairs of metal rods, a negative refractive index has been observed at 1.5 mu m. The inverted structure of paired voids in metal films can also exhibit a negative refractive index. A similar effect can be accomplished with metal strips in which the refractive index can reach -2. The refractive index retrieval procedure and the critical role of light phases in determining the refractive index are discussed. (c) 2006 Optical Society of America.