The Role of Multiferroics in the Negative Index of Refraction

Abstract

We explore the possibility of realizing intrinsic far infrared negative index materials (NIM) in multiferroic crystals (crystals simultaneously possessing a ferroelectric and ferromagnetic phase) possessing electric and magnetic dipole resonances with nearby resonance frequencies, or overlapping regions of negative permittivity and permeability. We demonstrate the functionality of such a material using finite difference time domain simulations. In order to motivate the connection between multiferroics and negative index materials, we discuss the negative index of refraction in the polariton picture.

3 pages, 1 figure in 3 parts. This work will be presented at the Fundamental Physics of Ferroelectrics Conference in Williamsburg Virginia from 5 pm Sunday, February 8, until 5 pm Wednesday, February 11, 2004. Details can be found on the conference web site: http://www.gl.ciw.edu/~cohen/meetings/ferro2004/ferro2004.htm