Time-domain modeling on wave propagation through single/multilayer left-handed meta-materials slabs

´Perfect´ imaging in left-handed meta-materials (LHM) is constrained by surface wave losses. In this paper, we demonstrate how LHM focus both near and far fields due to the extraordinary characteristics of the inverse Snell effect and the limitation of single layer LHM slabs when used in near field imaging. Furthermore, a multiple-layer LHM structure is used to ´guide´ evanescent waves with very little attenuation over large stack thickness in near field imaging at microwave frequencies. The theoretical prediction is verified with good agreement using a causal two-dimensional dispersive FDTD simulation.