Abstract
Negative-index metamaterials (NIMs) are engineered structures with optical properties that cannot be obtained in naturally occurring materials 1-3. Recent work has demonstrated that focused ion beam4 and layer-by-layer electron-beam lithography can be used to pattern the necessary nanoscale features over small areas (hundreds of μm2) for metamaterials with three-dimensional layouts and interesting characteristics, including negative-index behaviour in the optical regime. A key challenge is in the fabrication of such three-dimensional NIMs with sizes and at throughputs necessary for many realistic applications (including lenses, resonators and other photonic components 6-8). We report a simple printing approach capable of forming large-area, high-quality NIMs with three-dimensional, multilayer formats. Here, a silicon wafer with deep, nanoscale patterns of surface relief serves as a reusable stamp. Blanket deposition of alternating layers of silver and magnesium fluoride onto such a stamp represents a process for inking it with thick, multilayer assemblies. Transfer printing this ink material onto rigid or flexible substrates completes the fabrication in a high-throughput manner. Experimental measurements and simulation results show that macroscale, three-dimensional NIMs (>75 cm 2) nano-manufactured in this way exhibit a strong, negative index of refraction in the near-infrared spectral range, with excellent figures of merit.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 402-407 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Nature Nanotechnology |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 2011 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Bioengineering
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science(all)
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering