All dielectric zero-index metamaterials at optical frequencies

Dielectric metamaterials offer a potential low-loss alternative to plasmonic metamaterials at optical frequencies. However, demonstrations of dielectric metamaterials have so far been limited to microwave and mid-infrared frequencies. In this work, we outline the development of purely dielectric zero-index metamaterials operating at optical frequencies. The metamaterial, formed from silicon rods, exhibits impedance matching with air, resulting in unity transmission at the zero-index point. Design and experimental realization of the metamaterials is presented. The metamaterials can potentially be used for a number of applications including compact lens systems, directional emitters, and transformation optics devices.