A modeling and design approach is proposed for nanoparticle-based electromagnetic devices. First, the structure properties were analytically studied using Maxwell’s equations. The method provides us a robust link between nanoparticles electromagnetic response (amplitude and phase) and their geometrical characteristics (shape, geometry, and dimensions). Secondly, new designs based on “metamaterial” concept are proposed, demonstrating great performances in terms of wide-angle range functionality and multi/wide behavior, compared to conventional devices working at the same frequencies. The approach offers potential applications to build-up new advanced platforms for sensing and medical diagnostics. Therefore, in the final part of the article, some practical examples are reported such as cancer detection, water content measurements, chemical analysis, glucose concentration measurements and blood diseases monitoring.

In this paper, an analytical and numerical study of a new type of electromagnetic absorber, operating in the infrared and optical regime, is proposed. Absorption is obtained by exploiting Epsilon-Near-Zero materials. The structure electromagnetic properties are analytically described by using a new closed-form formula. In this way, it is possible to correlate the electromagnetic absorption properties of the structure with its geometrical characteristics. Good agreement between analytical and numerical results was achieved. Moreover, an absorption in a wide angle range (0°-80°), for different resonant frequencies (multi-band) with a large frequency bandwidth (wideband) for small structure thicknesses (d = λp/4) is obtained.

Interest in sensors and their applications is rapidly evolving, mainly driven by the huge demand of technologies whose ultimate purpose is to improve and enhance health and safety. Different electromagnetic technologies have been recently used and achieved good performances. Despite the plethora of literature, limitations are still present: limited response control, narrow bandwidth, and large dimensions. MetaSurfaces, artificial 2D materials with peculiar electromagnetic properties, can help to overcome such issues. In this paper, a generic tool to model, design, and manufacture MetaSurface sensors is developed. First, their properties are evaluated in terms of impedance and constitutive parameters. Then, they are linked to the structure physical dimensions. Finally, the proposed method is applied to realize devices for advanced sensing and medical diagnostic applications: glucose measurements, cancer stage detection, water content recognition, and blood oxygen level analysis. The proposed method paves a new way to realize sensors and control their properties at will. Most importantly, it has great potential to be used for many other practical applications, beyond sensing and diagnostics.

Artificial sheet materials, known as MetaSurfaces, have been applied to fully control both space and surface waves due to their exceptional abilities to dynamically tailor wave fronts and polarization states, while maintaining small footprints. However, previous and current designs and manufactured MetaSurfaces are limited to specific types of surfaces. There exists no general but rigorous design methodology for MetaSurfaces with generic curvature. The aim of this paper is to develop an analytical approach to characterize the wave behavior over arbitrary curvilinear MetaSurfaces. The proposed method allows us to fully characterize all propagating and evanescent wave modes from the MetaSurfaces. We will validate the proposed technique by designing, realizing and testing an ultrathin MetaSurface cloak for surface waves. Good results are obtained in terms of bandwidth, polarization independence and fabrication simplicity.

In this work, near-zero-index material boundary properties have been exploited to achieve new electromagnetic functionalities. The extraordinary guiding properties of a cylindrical dielectric rod waveguide surrounded by a thin epsilon-mu-near-zero shell is analyzed and discussed. A closed-form solution for the dispersion equation has been developed, able to model and design such properties at will. Analytical and numerical results will confirm that the use of near-zero cover materials leads to extraordinary properties in terms of field configurations, low attenuation, and bandwidth. The dielectric wire acts as an efficient “waveguide” with great potentials for advance nanocircuit and electronics.