Hypergratings: far-field subwavelength focusing in planar metamaterials

We present a technique for subwavelength far-field focusing of light in planar non-resonant structures. The approach combines the diffraction gratings that generate high-wavevector waves and planar slabs of homogeneous anisotropic metamaterials that propagate these waves and combine them at the subwavelength focal spots. The technique has all the benefits of Fresnel lens, near-field zone plate, hyperlens, and superlens, and at the same time resolves their fundamental limitations. Several realizations of hypergratings for visible, near-IR, and mid-IR frequencies are proposed, and their performance is analyzed. Generalization of the developed approach for sub-diffractional imaging and on-chip photonics is suggested.

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