Numerical analysis of a composite left-handed slab using the finite element method

Left-handed metamaterials (LHMs) have recently drawn a great deal of attention due to their unique electromagnetic features not commonly found in nature. Unlike right-handed media, where either permittivity (ε) or permeability (μ) may have negative values, LHMs possess both ε-negative (ENG) and μ-negative (MNG) characteristics within a frequency band, yielding a negative index of refraction (n). We present numerical analysis results for a LH slab composed of thin wires and split-ring resonators (SRRs). An array of wires and an array of SRRs alone show ENG and MNG features, respectively. By placing these two structures together, a LHM with ENG/MNG characteristics can be obtained within a frequency range. Numerical results demonstrate such a behavior of the LH slab and in turn the expected passband performance. Also, several parametric studies show the effects of unit cell parameters on transmission characteristics.