Design and characterization of a controllable left-handed material at microwave frequencies

In this study, we present the conception, the simulation and the characterization of a controllable left-handed (CLHM) material operating between 7 and 16 GHz. This compact material, composed from metallic wires including p-i-n diodes and split-ring resonators is optimized to have a controllable permittivity and a fixed permeability. Changing the bias current of the p-i-n diodes controls the dielectric permittivity of the material, which is negative. This allows the tuning of the CLHM material from a reflection state to a transmission state. We have measured the transmission of the material between 7 and 16GHz, and its negative refraction index at oblique incidence, demonstrating the switching of the electromagnetic state of the material.