Zero-Index Metamaterials: A New Phase in Integrated Optics

Abstract

Metamaterials with a refractive index of zero exhibit properties that are important for integrated optics. Possessing an infinite effective wavelength and zero spatial phase change, zero-index metamaterials may be especially useful for routing on-chip photonic processes and reducing the footprint of nonlinear interactions. Zero-index has only been achieved recently in an integrated platform through a Dirac-cone dispersion, enabling some of these more exciting applications in an integrated platform. This thesis presents an overview of Dirac-cone zero-index metamaterials (ZIMs), including the fundamental physics, history and demonstrations in the optical regime, as well as current challenges and future directions. Furthermore, it explores some of the applications and measurements enabled since the appearance of these integrated ZIMs and modifications to the metamaterial to eliminate characteristic radiative losses.