Functional metamaterials based on chiral structures

Metamaterials promise to revolutionise science and industry with their optical properties unknown in nature. A refractive index near zero is one of the most unusual of these properties which gives unique control over the emission of light. This project will develop metamaterials which exploit chirality to achieve zero refractive index, creating structures that stretch the wavelength, twist, confine, efficiently radiate and dynamically control light. We will investigate the physics of such structures and push metamaterial research in Australia into new realms, beyond the well-explored area of negative refractive index. This will generate innovative ideas with potential applications in communications, imaging, sensing, and defence.