Optical Möbius symmetry in metamaterials
Journal
Physical Review Letters
Journal Volume
105
Journal Issue
23
Pages
235501-1 - 235501-4
Date Issued
2010
Author(s)
Abstract
We experimentally observed a new topological symmetry in optical composites, namely, metamaterials. While it is not found yet in nature materials, the electromagnetic Möbius symmetry discovered in metamaterials is equivalent to the structural symmetry of a Möbius strip, with the number of twists controlled by the sign change of the electromagnetic coupling between the meta-atoms. We further demonstrate that metamaterials with different coupling signs exhibit resonance frequencies that depend only on the number but not the locations of the "twists," thus confirming its topological nature. The new topological symmetry found in metamaterials may enable unique functionalities in optical materials.
SDGs
Publisher
American Physical Society
Type
journal article