Experimental realization of epsilon-near-zero metamaterial slabs with metal-dielectric multilayers

Epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) metamaterial slabs at visible frequencies based on metal-dielectric multilayers are experimentally realized. Transmission, reflection, and absorption spectra are measured and used to determine the complex refractive indices and the effective permittivities of the ENZ slabs, which agree with the results obtained from both the numerical simulations and the optical nonlocalities analysis. Furthermore, light propagation in ENZ slabs and directional emission from ENZ prisms are also analyzed. The accurate determination of the ENZ wavelength for metal-dielectric multilayer metamaterial slabs is important for realizing many unique applications, such as phase front manipulation and enhancement of photonic density of states. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.