Metamaterial filters at optical-infrared frequencies

We propose two distinctive designs of metamaterials demonstrating filtering functions in the visible and near infrared region. Since the emissivity is related to the absorption of a material, these filters would then offer a high emissivity in the visible and near infrared, and a low one beyond those wavelengths. Usually, such a system find their applications in the thermo-photovoltaics field as it can find as well a particular interest in optoelectronics, especially for optical detection. Numerical analysis has been performed on common metamaterial designs: a perforated metallic plate and a metallic cross grating. Through all these structures, we have demonstrated the various physical phenomena contributing to a reduction in the reflectivity in the optical and near infrared region. By showing realistic geometric parameters, the structures were not only designed to demonstrate an optical filtering function but were also meant to be feasible on large surfaces by lithographic methods such as micro contact printing or nano-imprint lithography. (C) 2013 Optical Society of America