Transformation Optics for Reducing Lens Profile

5 September 2009

In a paper published in Optics Express (September 14, 2009 issue), Dan Roberts and co-authors illustrate the use of the transformation optical approach to reduce the profile of a lens or other optical device. Though the gradient index materials specified by the transformation may render the reduction difficult to achieve in practice, the results nevertheless show the potential of applying the transformation optical technique to improve conventional devices in unconventional ways.

Transformation Optics MURI Awarded

20 June 2009

A joint team led by Duke University has been awarded a Multiple University Research Initiative on the topic of Transformation Optics. The award is sponsored by the Army Research Office (ARO), and includes team members from Purdue University, UC Berkeley, NC State University and Imperial College, London.

The kickoff meeting will be held on July 27 at Duke University.

Electromagnetic source transformations: Cover story in Applied Physics Letters

11 May 2009

Transformation optics can be used to design media with unique properties for the manipulation of electromagnetic waves. The transformation optical approach can be used not only to control the path of light, but also to change the way that currents and charges (or sources) behave when they interact with light. The interaction of electromagnetic waves is fundamental in the design of antennas. In the latest issue of Applied Physics Letters, Jeffery Allen and colleagues demonstrate several examples of transforming space in the presence of sources to make interesting radiating structures.

Dan Roberts wins Hertz Fellowship for postgraduate study in the physical sciences

11 May 2009

Dan Roberts was awarded a Fannie and John Hertz Foundation Fellowship. The Hertz Fellowship is merit based and widely considered to be one of the most prestigious graduate fellowships awarded. The fellowship provides approximately $250,000 of support over a five year tenure. One of the goals is to provide financial independence for fellows, allowing them to pursue innovative research as per their own interests. Dan will defer his fellowship for two years to study in the UK as a Marshall Scholar.

Smith lab featured in Wall Street Journal

13 March 2009

Our work is featured in a story published in the Science Journal of the Wall Street Journal. The story, "Behold the Appearance of the Invisibility Cloak," is by Robert Lee Hotz and can be found here.

Feature story in Discover Magazine

10 March 2009

An extensive article regarding metamaterials, by Fred Hapgood, has been published in the April issue of Discover Magazine. "Metamaterial Revolution: The New Science of Making Anything Disappear," describes a brief history of metamaterials and includes discussion of our most recent work. See the article here.

Cloaking mentioned on The Tonight Show

19 January 2009

Our work on cloaking mentioned in Jay Leno's monologue on The Tonight Show!

Broadband cloaking with new metamaterial structure

15 January 2009

Our most recent experiment confirms that objects on a mirror--or ground plane--can be hidden from detection by a metamaterial 'cloak.' The latest work, based on a theoretical prediction by Li and Pendry, illustrates some of the progress that has been achieved over the last two years of research (published in Science, January 16, 2009).