Switch design based on magnetic hyperbolic metamaterials

Abstract We design a switch based on a switchable magnetic hyperbolic metamaterial that consists of a one-dimensional periodic stacking of dielectric and gyromagnetic layers. The isofrequency curve of the structure can be switched between elliptical and hyperbolic shapes via the external DC magnetic field. The isofrequency curve relates directly to the propagation property of electromagnetic waves. By analyzing the different isofrequency curves, we predict that positive refraction, total reflection, and negative refraction can occur in a TE polarized Gaussian beam incident from air into the structure. The electric field distribution is simulated, and results confirm our predictions. Therefore, our switchable magnetic hyperbolic metamaterial can be used as an efficient switch. To be specific, with the adjustment of the external DC magnetic field, when the isofrequency curve transforms between a circle and a one-sheeted hyperbola, it can switch between positive refraction and total reflection; when the curve transforms between a circle and a two-sheeted hyperbola, it can switch between positive and negative refraction.