Search
Menu
Meadowlark Optics - Wave Plates 6/24 LB 2024

New Optics Field Emerges

Facebook X LinkedIn Email
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., Oct. 16, 2008 -- A new research field called transformation optics may usher in a host of radical advances including a cloak of invisibility and ultrapowerful microscopes and computers by harnessing nanotechnology and "metamaterials." The field, which applies mathematical principles similar to those in Einstein's theory of general relativity, will be described in an article to be published Oct. 17 in the journal Science. The article will appear in the magazine's Perspectives section and was written by Vladimir Shalaev, Purdue's Robert and Anne Burnett Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering....Read full article

Related content from Photonics Media



    Articles


    Products


    Photonics Handbook Articles


    White Papers


    Webinars


    Photonics Dictionary Terms


    Media


    Photonics Buyers' Guide Categories


    Companies
    Published: October 2008
    Glossary
    einstein
    A unit of energy equal to the amount of energy absorbed by one molecule of material undergoing a photochemical reaction, as determined by the Stark-Einstein law.
    light
    Electromagnetic radiation detectable by the eye, ranging in wavelength from about 400 to 750 nm. In photonic applications light can be considered to cover the nonvisible portion of the spectrum which includes the ultraviolet and the infrared.
    metamaterial
    Metamaterials are artificial materials engineered to have properties not found in naturally occurring substances. These materials are designed to manipulate electromagnetic waves in ways that are not possible with conventional materials. Metamaterials typically consist of structures or elements that are smaller than the wavelength of the waves they interact with. Key characteristics of metamaterials include: Negative refraction index: One of the most notable features of certain...
    microscope
    An instrument consisting essentially of a tube 160 mm long, with an objective lens at the distant end and an eyepiece at the near end. The objective forms a real aerial image of the object in the focal plane of the eyepiece where it is observed by the eye. The overall magnifying power is equal to the linear magnification of the objective multiplied by the magnifying power of the eyepiece. The eyepiece can be replaced by a film to photograph the primary image, or a positive or negative relay...
    nano
    An SI prefix meaning one billionth (10-9). Nano can also be used to indicate the study of atoms, molecules and other structures and particles on the nanometer scale. Nano-optics (also referred to as nanophotonics), for example, is the study of how light and light-matter interactions behave on the nanometer scale. See nanophotonics.
    nanotechnology
    The use of atoms, molecules and molecular-scale structures to enhance existing technology and develop new materials and devices. The goal of this technology is to manipulate atomic and molecular particles to create devices that are thousands of times smaller and faster than those of the current microtechnologies.
    optical
    Pertaining to optics and the phenomena of light.
    photonics
    The technology of generating and harnessing light and other forms of radiant energy whose quantum unit is the photon. The science includes light emission, transmission, deflection, amplification and detection by optical components and instruments, lasers and other light sources, fiber optics, electro-optical instrumentation, related hardware and electronics, and sophisticated systems. The range of applications of photonics extends from energy generation to detection to communications and...
    refraction
    The bending of oblique incident rays as they pass from a medium having one refractive index into a medium with a different refractive index.
    transistor
    An electronic device consisting of a semiconductor material, generally germanium or silicon, and used for rectification, amplification and switching. Its mode of operation utilizes transmission across the junction of the donor electrons and holes.
    visible
    That term pertaining to the spectral region that can be perceived by the eye.
    Basic ScienceBiophotonicscloakdefenseEinsteinenergyfiber opticsgreen photonicshyperlensinvisibilitylenseslightmetamaterialmicroscopeMicroscopynanonanotechnologyNews & FeaturesopticalphotonicphotonicsplanarrefractionrefractivesemiconductorsSensors & DetectorsShalaevtransformation opticstransistorvisible

    We use cookies to improve user experience and analyze our website traffic as stated in our Privacy Policy. By using this website, you agree to the use of cookies unless you have disabled them.