Polarization-incident angle independent metamaterial wave absorber for enhanced electromagnetic energy harvesting in ultraviolet-B, visible spectrum, and near-infrared frequency range

A high-performance metamaterial wave absorber (MWA) in the ultraviolet-B, visible spectrum, and near-infrared frequency range for electromagnetic energy harvesting is presented. The elemental structure of the MWA is composed of twin ring resonators organized in a rotationally symmetrical configuration. This design's basic unit consists of three layers: the ground layer, featuring lossy gold properties; the intermediate layer, crafted from a lossy dielectric material that is silica; and the front layer, constructed using gold. The results indicate upon which an absorber can attain a comprehensive absorption. The outcomes that have been simulated using the Computer Simulation Technology (CST) Microwave Studio simulator show 313.19 THz, 525.55 THz, 576 THz, 766.71 THz, 847.2 THz, demonstrating absorption rates of 99.999%, 99.999%, 99.987%, 99.989%, and 99.999% for typically incident electromagnetic waves. The unit cell size is 560 × 560 nm²; this structure sets its sights on a captivating overall performance of the near-infrared, visible spectrum, and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) frequency bands. In addition, the energy harvester shows polarization independent at 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, and 225° and wide-angle incident from 0° to 80° with good harvesting characteristics over the entire operating range. The surface current distribution is analyzed for insight into the energy harvesting mechanism. The present article introduces an alternative notion, expressed as a function of the phase velocities affecting various modes, throughout employing a limited periodic configuration. The impressive properties the indicated research shows are unity absorption, angle independency, etc. It is highly suitable for potential uses for energy harvesting in the near-infrared, visible spectrum, and (UV-B) frequency range with engineered dispersion characteristics. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd