Abstract: Metamaterial devices with environmentally responsive materials are disclosed. In some embodiments, a metamaterial perfect absorber includes a first patterned metallic layer, a second metallic layer electrically isolated from the first patterned metallic layer by a gap, and an environmentally responsive dielectric material positioned in the gap between the first patterned metallic layer and the metallic second layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for detecting terahertz radiation at room temperature. A detecting pixel includes a sub-wavelength split-ring resonator, and is mechanically coupled to (but thermally decoupled from) a substrate via a cantilever formed from two materials that have a significant mismatch in their thermal expansion coefficients. Incident radiation causes the split-ring resonator to resonate, thereby generating heat that is transferred to the cantilever, causing the cantilever to flex. An optical readout system includes a secondary light source, such as a laser, that shines on a reflective surface on the pixel, whereby a photodiode detects the reflected light and permits calculation of a relative deflection of the pixel in the nanometer range. An exemplary detector has a noise equivalent power rating of approximately 60 pW/?Hz.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for detecting terahertz radiation at room temperature. A detecting pixel includes a sub-wavelength split-ring resonator, and is mechanically coupled to (but thermally decoupled from) a substrate via a cantilever formed from two materials that have a significant mismatch in their thermal expansion coefficients. Incident radiation causes the split-ring resonator to resonate, thereby generating heat that is transferred to the cantilever, causing the cantilever to flex. An optical readout system includes a secondary light source, such as a laser, that shines on a reflective surface on the pixel, whereby a photodiode detects the reflected light and permits calculation of a relative deflection of the pixel in the nanometer range. An exemplary detector has a noise equivalent power rating of approximately 60 pW/?Hz.

Abstract: A composite material that is responsive to either electromagnetic or thermal radiation. The composite has a controllable structure that is either dynamically or tunably responsive to such radiation and comprises a metamaterial. Sensors, such as a bolometer, that incorporate the composite are also described.

Abstract: A composite material has a host dielectric with an artificial plasmon medium embedded in the host. The artificial plasmon medium has a dielectric function of less than 1, and a plasma frequency selected to result in the permittivity of the composite being substantially equal to 1.

Abstract: A composite material has a host dielectric with an artificial plasmon medium embedded in the host. The artificial plasmon medium has a dielectric function of less than 1, and a plasma frequency selected to result in the permittivity of the composite being substantially equal to 1.