A Two-Dimensional FDTD-Based Virtual Visualization Tool for Metamnaterial -Wave Interaction [Education Column]

Metamaterials (MTM) have become a major electromagnetic research topic. Initial studies have focused on understanding their electromagnetic properties and interactions. This paper presents a novel virtual tool, MTM-FDTD, for the visualization of electromagnetic wave interacting with different metamaterials. Snapshots from characteristic examples during these interactions are presented. Scenarios with normal and oblique incidences, demonstrating focusing beams in planar metamaterials and the existence of negative refractive angle, respectively, are presented. One beauty of this virtual tool is that video clips of wave-metamaterial interactions may easily be produced.