Phase conjugation and perfect lensing

The concept of the perfect lens introduced by Pendry [Phys. Rev. Lett. 85, 3966 (2000)], i.e., a possibility to achieve optical resolution well below the wavelength limit using a backward wave (also called Veselago or double-negative) material slab lens, is reinvestigated. It is shown that there is a direct analogy between the phenomena taking place at the slab interfaces and at a couple of phase-conjugating planes placed in free space. Thus, this work introduces an alternative to Pendry's device. The physics behind the idea is discussed and certain directions of possible realizations are outlined. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.