Electromagnetic waves in nonlinear and linear magnetooptic metamaterials

This thesis provides an insight into the world of metamaterials, and the way in whichwaves propagate within them. It begins with an introduction to metamaterials, thatincludes a generic definition and a fascinating array of models are outlined. An emphasisis placed on the nonlinear properties of metamaterials and their soliton propagationproperties. A thorough investigation of both temporal and spatial solitons is at the heart ofthis thesis, and in both cases the nonlinear Schrodinger equation is an appropriate modelfor propagation of weakly nonlinear waves. Metamaterials that possess electric andmagnetic nonlinearity are comprehensively described. Additional functionality is addedto the behaviour of spatial solitons through a form of diffraction-management, and thepolarisation dependence of higher-order effects is also discussed. This results in someinteresting outcomes for the role of nonlinear diffraction. For temporal solitons, selfsteepeningand Raman scattering are investigated and it is shown how the metamaterialproperties impact upon their coefficients. For both beams and pulses, the impact ofmagnetooptic control is investigated. Once again, polarisation is a vital consideration, andsome important conclusions involving potential wells are examined. All of these ideas arevalidated by numerous numerical simulations. The final part of the thesis discusses thefascinating area of transformation optics and how this new field has developed recently.The way in which cloaking devices are implemented is described, and the possibility ofadding a magnetooptic switching functionality to the standard electromagnetic cloak ispresented. Finally, conclusions are given and some comments about the future directionsare made.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral (Level 8)

Year dc:date.issued

2011

Author dc:creator

• Mitchell-Thomas, RC

Language dc:language

en

Identifier

oai:salford-repository.worktribe.com:1337586

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:salford-repository.worktribe.com:1337586