Dynamic tuning of an infrared hybrid-metamaterial resonance using vanadium dioxide

We demonstrate a metamaterial device whose far-infrared resonance frequency can be dynamically tuned. Dynamic tuning should alleviate many bandwidth-related roadblocks to metamaterial application by granting a wide matrix of selectable electromagnetic properties. This tuning effect is achieved via a hybrid-metamaterial architecture; intertwining split ring resonator metamaterial elements with vanadium dioxide (VO₂)-a material whose optical properties can be strongly and quickly changed via external stimulus. This hybrid structure concept opens a fresh dimension in both exploring and exploiting the intriguing electromagnetic behavior of metamaterials.