Electromagnetic Beam Splitters Based on Near-Zero-Index Materials

We present design and simulations of electromagnetic beam splitters that are based on near-zero-index (NZI) materials. NZI structures are metamaterials that possess near-zero relative permittivity and/or permeability values, which can be realized by periodically arranging unit cells. Due to their exotic properties, they may be used to forward beams in desired directions when their geometries are properly designed. We consider homogenized models, where relative permittivity and permeability values are assumed to be small, in an efficient and accurate simulation environment. The results show that relatively simple geometries can be used to re-direct beams, whereas receiving incoming fields with minimum reflection seems to be a major challenge.