On the possibility of gain control and special solitons in metamaterials

A discussion of gain control up to the THz frequency range is presented together with a study of diffraction-managed solitons in metamaterials. Full dynamical simulations are used at every stage to illustrate the principles being evolved. An interesting approach based upon the mapping of the complex frequency-plane onto the complex wave number-plane is given as a way of demonstrating whether the offset of loss by using gain leads to a stable material. Nonlinear behaviour is addressed through the possibility of soliton formation under the conditions for which nonlinear diffraction can play a role whenever an attempt to manage the diffraction is made with a suitable combination of left-handed and right-handed materials. All of this activity requires the modeling of curious artificial molecules but the computational outcomes inspire confidence that is exemplified with exciting illustrations. The remit of control, exercised through external influences such as an applied magnetic field, and cavity formation is briefly explored.