Gradient index metamaterial based on slot elements

We present a gradient-index (GRIN) metamaterial based on an array of annular slots. The structure allows a large variation in the effective refractive index under normal-to-plane incidence and thus enables the construction of GRIN devices consisting of only a small number of functional layers. Using full-wave simulations, we demonstrate the annular slot concept by means of a three-unit-cell thin GRIN lens for the terahertz (THz) range. In the presented realizations, we achieved an index contrast of Δn = 1.5 resulting in a highly refractive flat lens which is suitable for focusing THz radiation to a spot size smaller than the wavelength.