Classical and quantum electrodynamics in near-zero-index media | Dr. Iñigo Liberal

Theoretical Seminar at The Department of Physics & Engineering, ITMO | 25 Nov 2020

Timecodes are below the abstract.

Dr. Iñigo Liberal
Public University of Navarre (UPNA)

Title: "Classical and quantum electrodynamics in near-zero-index media"

Abstract: Continuous media and metamaterials with a near-zero refractive index (NZI media) provide alternative pathways for the control and manipulation of light-matter interactions. The exotic behavior of NZI media is rooted in the fact that the wavelength gets effectively stretched as the refractive index vanishes. This allows for pathological solutions to the wave equation, including spatially static field distributions that nevertheless dynamically oscillate in time. This paradoxical behavior gives access to a regime of qualitatively different wave dynamics, where the importance of the geometry is lessened, and certain observables are invariant with respect to geometrical deformations, even including changes in the topology of the system.

In this talk, I’ll review and discuss some of the most relevant aspect of classical and quantum electrodynamics of NZI media including: (i) The behavior of NZI media as ideal electromagnetic fluids. (ii) The existence of geometry invariant resonant cavities. (iii) Violation of effective medium theory geometrical restrictions, enabling, for example, single unit-cell metamaterials. (iv) Quantum light emission in a vacuum depleted of optical modes. (v) Experimental demonstration of thermal emitters based on NZI media.

0:00 - Intro
1:14 - Start of the seminar
2:38 - Near-Zero-Index Media
4:33 - Outline
6:25 - Electromagnetic ideal fluids
20:43 - Photonic doping
22:00 - Question by Mikhail Rybin
31:36 - Question by Alexander Poddubny
32:35 - Question by Maxim Gorlach
33:37 - Depleting the space of optical modes
37:15 - Question by Alexander Poddubny
41:55 - Nonperturbative decay dynamics, Question by Alexander Poddubny
52:10 Thermal emmiters
1:02:37 Questions in the end

The Department of Physics and Engineering of ITMO University (Saint Petersburg, Russia) hosts online weekly seminars to discuss recent scientific achievements of researchers from all over the world with a wide audience. The topics include experimental (Optical seminar) and theoretical (Theoretical seminar) aspects of nanophotonics, solid-state physics, material science, as well as design and applications of radiofrequency structures and devices (Microwave seminar).

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