Large Area Metamaterial Films

In this Phase I STTR research program Agiltron will demonstrate that low-cost, micro-contact printing is suitable for the fabrication of large area, thin-film, flexible metamaterials with unique optical properties for wavelengths between 2 and 14 microns. Our research partner, the University of Michigan, will use roll-to-roll micro-contact printing to pattern the fine structure of the metamaterial. Agiltron will complete fabrication and testing, proving feasibility of the concept. In Phase II the process would be scaled up to produce a large area suitable for demonstrating desired optical effects on actual naval assets. Desired physical effects result from photon-plasmon interactions in very thin, patterned metal-dielectric films deposited on polymer sheets for ease of handling. A university consultant will perform limited modeling for Phase I. Compared to standard practice, Agiltron’s innovative design allows use of larger features, no smaller than one-half the wavelength of the chosen resonant optical frequency, which can be micro-printed. Also the metal-dielectric metamaterials are much thinner than all dielectric combinations improving flexibility.