2D refractive-index mapping models cosmological systems

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (Thuwal, Saudi Arabia) and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (Dhahran, Saudi Arabia) are looking at planar (2D) optical refractive-index distributions that, if created using a metamaterial, could become an experimental way of creating many observable analogies to celestial mechanics such as gravitational attractors. For example, in a stationary, planar, rotationally symmetric index mapping, light could “orbit” the center. Depending on the index distribution, incoming light could be captured by the device as a cosmological black hole would.

The refractive index falls within the range of 0.8 to 3.5 (making metamaterials the primary way of experimental realization). In addition to a rotationally symmetric version, a mapping with two lobes can mimic a cosmological binary system. Practical uses for the concept also exist: because the light paths are very sensitive to the refractive-index distribution, a sensor could be created that would take advantage of very small changes in refractive index (for example, resulting from changes in temperature or chemical concentration). The researchers propose numerous other applications, including as transient optical memories of an optical delay, a light concentrator, a chaotic cavity, and a beam homogenizer. Contact Boon S. Ooi at [email protected].