Metamaterials, a chance for high frequency electronics?

Metamaterials are a new kind of artificial media, exhibiting electromagnetic properties not found in nature. In fact, the word “meta” comes from the Greek word meaning “beyond”. Among them, the class of “Left Handed” (LH), also known as “Double Negative” (DNG) metamaterials shows unusual characteristics such as backward waves, negative refraction or reverse Doppler effect. In this paper we will present the fundamentals of metamaterials: structure, electromagnetic properties, characteristics of wave propagation and some applications in high frequency (ranging from GHz to THz) passive circuits. Also, a brief scope of prospective applications in electronic circuitry will be discussed.