Microfluidics for reconfigurable electromagnetic metamaterials

Abstract

We propose microfluidics as a useful platform for reconfigurable electromagnetic metamaterials. Microfluidic split-ring resonators (MF-SRRs) are fabricated inside a flexible elastomeric material by employing rapid prototyping. The transmission measurements performed for mercury-injected MF-SRR exhibits sharp magnetic resonances at microwave wavelengths. We further calculate transmission properties of the MF-SRR array and the effect of electrical conductivity of the liquid inside the channel on the magnetic resonance. The measured results agree well with numerical calculations. Our proposal may open up directions toward switchable metamaterials and reconfigurable devices such as filters, switches, and resonators.