Novel wave phenomena based on plasmonic metamaterials and their application in sensors and components

Abstract

Generating, detecting, and controlling the frequency, amplitude, phase, and polarization of electromagnetic waves is at the center of a broad range of important applications today. The functionality of devices and technologies such as antennas, lasers, solar cells, optical fibers, imaging systems, optical computers, and biosensors relies on precise control over electromagnetic wave properties. In order to obtain these properties and meet the demands of modern wave-based technologies, a fundamental understanding and discovery of novel wave phenomena is necessary. In this dissertation, our goal is to expand the possibilities of wave control and enhance light-matter interaction based on novel phenomena in metamaterials and plasmonics. Specifically, we focus on surface plasmon-polariton modes enabled by substrate integrated waveguides at microwave frequencies. Furthermore, embedded eigenstates and their topological aspects in optical ENZ structures are studied. Exploiting the functionalities of these phenomena, we discuss the consequences on wave propagation and scattering, and explore various structures to achieve control of frequency, amplitude, phase, and polarization of electromagnetic waves. We provide new theoretical insights on the underlying physics and demonstrate the utility of the discussed phenomena by proposing several applications including two microwave dual-band filters, a microwave sensor for liquid analyte detection, a narrowband and directive thermal emitter, an infrared polarization control and switching scheme, an improved phase sensor, and an unusual laser-absorber structure. The generality of the presented theoretical insights indicates new possibilities in the fields of thermal emission engineering, topological photonics and lasers.