Negative-refractive-index metamaterials using loaded transmission lines and enabling RF devices

In this presentation, NRI metamaterials were synthesized using planar networks of periodically L-C loaded transmission lines. The cellular metamaterial structures were compact, planar and can be easily constructed using either lumped or printed capacitors and inductors. The first isotropic NRI metamaterial lenses have been demonstrated experimentally. Subsequently such transmission-line NRI lenses were shown to support growing evanescent waves, which is the key for achieving resolution that overcomes the diffraction limit. In this presentation we also reported on the latest experimental and theoretical results regarding the sub-diffraction imaging characteristics of these lenses. Moreover, a number of metamaterial-enabled RF devices were discussed including couplers, phase shifters, antennas and dispersion-compensating RF lines.