Metamaterials and infra-red applications

We review the electromagnetic properties of metamaterials aimed at operating at infra-red wavelengths, keeping their potential applications in mind. Split ring resonators and periodically loaded transmission lines are considered with the main emphasis on the guide lines, design rules and characterization techniques. In this context, we address the various routes towards pushing up the operating frequency in the mid- and near- infrared region, with special attention on the breaking of scaling rules and on the technological challenges for metal and full dielectric approaches. To cite this article: D. Lippens, C. R. Physique 9 (2008).