Scattering from Multi-Layered Metamaterials Using Wave Matrices

The complex permittivity (ε) and permeability (μ) of a material determine the response of the material to electromagnetic radiation. Usually, the real parts of ε and μ are positive for naturally occurring materials at microwave frequencies. Metamaterials are engineered media that are designed to have either a negative permittivity or permeability or both. Negative permeability and negative permittivity would cause electromagnetic waves traveling through this medium to exhibit unusual characteristics such as power flow in a direction opposite to the phase velocity. In this thesis, the wave matrix approach is used to calculate the total reflection and transmission coefficients of a multilayered structure. The method is applicable to all types of materials, including metamaterials. Several layered configurations are studied including both metamaterial and conventional dielectric layers. A MATLAB program is developed to examine the effects of frequency, angle of incidence and polarization. The results are compared to published data. Potential applications of metamaterials are also discussed.