Modeling of Negative Index Metamaterials for "Hide-in-Plain-Sight"
Author:
Chiraag NatarajMentors:
- Jaret Riddick, Aerospace Engineer, Mechanics Division, US Army Research Lab
- Harry Atwater, Howard Hughes Professor and Professor of Applied Physics and Materials Science, California Institute of Technology
The motive of the present research is to investigate the possibility of creating "hide-in-plain-sight" effects using negative index metamaterials (NIMs). The objective is to determine if and how it is possible to use NIMs in order to conceal or disguise an object. In order to investigate these questions, POV-Ray, a raytracing software, is used to model negative index of refraction metamaterials in various configurations. Investigations are conducted based upon varying geometry and gradients of index of refraction to study the effect on an observer’s perception of an object enclosed in metamaterial. Results indicate that reflectance and transmittance of a given object are the same whether the index of refraction is positive or negative. Furthermore, using certain combinations of metamaterials and ordinary materials, a variety of optical effects can be achieved. Finally, at certain viewing angles, NIMs are not necessary in order to produce "hide-in-plain-sight" effects - positive index of refraction metamaterials would also work. The present results portend that “hide-in-plain-sight" may not be far off in the future.