Subwavelength Metal Optics and Antireflection

Over the past decade or so, research in metamaterials has opened up new ways in which to control, manipulate, and utilize electromagnetic radiation. One of these new applications is anti-reflection, or unity absorption, primarily achievable through using thin metamaterial films/surfaces (meta-films) incorporating sub-wavelength features. This review discusses the theoretical and experimental designs for thin metallic-films, with emphasis on absorption in the infrared and visible wavelengths, as well as future endeavors in a host of applications.