Total Transmission and Total Reflection by Zero Index Metamaterials with Defects

We theoretically investigate microwave transmission through a zero-index metamaterial loaded with dielectric defects. The metamaterial is impedance matched to free space, with the permittivity and permeability tending towards zero over a given frequency range. By simply varying the radii and permittivities of the defects, total transmission or reflection of the impinging electromagnetic wave can be achieved. The proposed defect structure can offer advances in shielding or cloaking technologies without restricting the object’s viewpoint. Active control of the observed exotic transmission and reflection signatures can occur by incorporating tunable refractive index materials such as liquid crystals and BaSrTiO₃.