Metamaterials and metaoptics

Abstract

We discuss the topics of metamaterials - electromagnetic composites offering simultaneous control of electric and magnetic fields through structuring on a fine scale compared with the wavelength of light - and metaoptics, including striking optical effects achieved using metamaterial-based systems such as backward wave propagation and negative refraction. We survey fabrication methods and past achievements for systems working at long wavelengths and near-visible wavelengths, with emphasis on the recent development of this field in Australia. We select several striking conceptual and technological advances made in this rapidly developing field, such as cloaking, nonlinear metamaterials and drawable fiber-based metamaterials.