Broadband diodelike asymmetric transmission of linearly polarized light in ultrathin hybrid metamaterial

We present the underlying theory, the design specifications, and the experimental demonstration of the broadband diodelike asymmetric transmission of linearly polarized light in the near-infrared regime. This result is achieved through the use of a two-layer hybrid metamaterial, composed of an L-shaped metallic particle and a double nano antenna. The experimental results are shown to agree well with the theoretical predictions and the simulated transmission spectra. The realization of the diodelike asymmetric transmission can be attributed to the combination of two independently functioning metallic structures, which are shown to perform their respective function even when shifted away from perfect alignment. This work offers a further step in developing broadband diodelike asymmetric transmission for use in electromagnetic devices. (C) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC.