Optical transformation theory

Abstract

In the past few years, a rapid progress has been achieved in the subject of optical transformation, which is based on the property of form invariance in Maxwell's equations. The optical transformation, also termed as transformation optics, allows artificial metamaterials to be tailor-made according to practical needs and desires. In this chapter, we introduce the general theory of optical transformation and discuss the recent development on the optical transformation devices, such as invisibility cloaks, beam bends and splitters, wave-shape transformers, EM concentrators, rotators, antennas. The methodology of optical transformation can also be applied when the sources are included in the transformed space. Such a technique is expected to have further impact on the real-life applications. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2010.