Three-Dimensional Anisotropic Metamaterials as Triaxial Optical Inclinometers

Sci Rep. 2017 Jun 2;7(1):2680. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-02865-z.

Abstract

Split-ring resonators (SRRs) present an attractive avenue for the development of micro/nano scale inclinometers for applications like medical microbots, military hardware, and nanosatellite systems. However, the 180° isotropy of their two-dimensional structure presents a major hurdle. In this paper, we present the design of a three-dimensional (3D) anisotropic SRR functioning as a microscale inclinometer enabling it to remotely sense rotations from 0° to 360° along all three axes (X, Y, and Z), by employing the geometric property of a 3D structure. The completely polymeric composition of the cubic structure renders it transparent to the Terahertz (THz) light, providing a transmission response of the tilted SRRs patterned on its surface that is free of any distortion, coupling, and does not converge to a single point for two different angular positions. Fabrication, simulation, and measurement data have been presented to demonstrate the superior performance of the 3D micro devices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.