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Transformation optics is a branch of optics which applies metamaterials to produce spatial variations, derived from coordinate transformations, which can direct chosen bandwidths of electromagnetic radiation. This can allow for the construction of new composite artificial devices, which probably could not exist without metamaterials and coordinate transformation. Computing power that became available in the late 1990s enables prescribed quantitative values for the permittivity and permeability, the constitutive parameters, which produce localized spatial variations. The aggregate value of all the constitutive parameters produces an effective value, which yields the intended or desired results.
Hence, complex artificial materials, known as metamaterials, are used to produce transformations in optical space.
The mathematics underpinning transformation optics is similar to the equations that describe how gravity warps space and time, in general relativity. However, instead of space and time, these equations show how light can be directed in a chosen manner, analogous to warping space. For example, one potential application is collecting sunlight with novel solar cells by concentrating the light in one area. Hence, a wide array of conventional devices could be markedly enhanced by applying transformation optics.[1][2][3][4][5]
- ^ Pendry, J.B.; Schurig, D.; Smith, D. R. (2006). "Controlling Electromagnetic Electromagnetic Fields". Science. 312 (5514): 1780–1782. Bibcode:2006Sci...312.1780P. doi:10.1126/science.1125907. PMID 16728597. S2CID 7967675.
- ^ Leonhardt, Ulf (Jun 2006). "Optical Conformal Mapping". Science. 312 (5781): 1777–1780. Bibcode:2006Sci...312.1777L. doi:10.1126/science.1126493. PMID 16728596. S2CID 8334444.
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Schurig, D.; et al. (2006). "Metamaterial Electromagnetic Cloak at Microwave Frequencies". Science. 314 (5801): 977–980. Bibcode:2006Sci...314..977S. doi:10.1126/science.1133628. PMID 17053110. S2CID 8387554.
A recently published theory has suggested that a cloak of invisibility is in principle possible, at least over a narrow frequency band. We describe here the first practical realization of such a cloak.
- ^ Liu, R; Ji, C; Mock, J. J.; Chin, J. Y.; Cui, T. J.; Smith, D. R. (January 16, 2009). "Broadband Ground-Plane Cloak". Science. 323 (5912): 366–369. Bibcode:2009Sci...323..366L. doi:10.1126/science.1166949. PMID 19150842. S2CID 206516809.
- ^ "Transformation Optics May Usher in a Host of Radical Advances". Azonano. October 17, 2008. Retrieved 2010-05-24.