3D sub-diffraction imaging by a planar metamaterial lens

A planar microwave lens for sub-diffraction imaging is presented. The physical mechanism underlying the reported results is the amplification of the source evanescent Fourier harmonics, via the excitation of magnetoinductive surface waves in the lens. By using this device, a 3D image of an input antenna has been measured at the shadowed face of the lens, with a resolution well below the free space wavelength. We interpret these results as a consequence of near-field imaging and tunneling effects.