Development of Metamaterials for Cherenkov Radiation Based Particle Detectors

The detection of charged particles through Cherenkov radiation has been a powerful technique in particle, nuclear, and beam physics. Use of a dielectric radiator with engineered dispersive properties permits more information about the radiating particle to be obtained than from a simple linear medium. This project will numerically model, construct, and test Cherenkov radiators that are based on the use of metamaterials, which can be engineered with specific electromagnetic properties needed for a particular application. In Phase I, numerical and theoretical studies will be performed to identify properties of metamaterials that will be useful for particle detection and discrimination. Once a set of candidate media is identified, artificial structures will be designed with exactly the same electromagnetic properties. Then, loaded waveguide structures will be assembled. Phase I will result in final bench testing of several candidate structures. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The development of Cherenkov detectors based on engineered metamaterials would provide several effects that are not present in conventional detector media, such as backward radiation and two spectral maxima. The resulting detectors would have advantages of cleaner and stronger signals and more sensitivity.