Controlling Light with Meta-Symmetries and Couplings

Boubacar Kante, University of California Berkeley

In this talk, I will discuss the fundamental role of symmetries at the nanoscale level in constructing optical metamaterials and plasmonic systems. I will propose the first strategy for the - long awaited isotropic negative index at optical frequencies by proposing a classification of ring-resonators with striking similarities with the Kramer degeneracy of odd electrons. I will demonstrate that, by using symmetry breaking, and, by introducing the notion of negative coupling, it is possible to achieve ultra broadband negative index (1.3-2.3μm) with closed rings, the equivalent of the Bohr model of atoms (so far deemed impossible). I will also show a route for full cloaking at optical frequencies as well as an original effective index approach to meta-films (meta-surfaces) that could be used in photon management for energy applications.

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