Tailoring wave packets in space-time dispersive switched metasurfaces
Abstract
The research aims to investigate the generation and radiation of electromagnetic wave packets. Wave packets (WPs) belong to a special class of pulsed fields, characterized by their ability to propagate without diffraction and dispersion in the absence of optical nonlinearities or guiding structures. Theoretically, they offer the potential for controllable group velocity in both subluminal and superluminal propagation regimes, as well as exotic refractive behavior. These unique characteristics stem from a fundamental feature- the spatial and temporal spectra of these wave packets are inherently intertwined, such that each spatial frequency is associated with a specific prescribed wavelength. Traditionally, the entwining of spatial and temporal spectra is achieved through interdependent sources that adhere to the spectral constraints imposed by the wave packet profile. However, in the novel class of space-time switched metastructures, these assumptions no longer hold. Our team has been exploring these concepts, and related opportunities investigating the polychromatic scattering process emerging from a monochromatic field confined in a parallel-plate waveguide under abrupt temporal transition of the boundary conditions. To date, there is no investigation on the possibilities offered by space-time switched metasurfaces in tailoring the space-time wave packets. A study in this direction would establish totally new theoretical approaches and experimental explorations for properly describing these new phenomena, optimize them and engage them for a new generation of space-time wave-packet launchers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 22, 2024
- Source ID
- FA86552317065
Entities
People
- Davide Ramaccia
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force