Phys.org  March 14, 2024 Past work has considered the analytic properties of the reflection coefficient for a metal-backed slab and established a fundamental relationship for the minimal layer thickness to bandwidth ratio achievable for an absorber, but a similar relationship for non-metal-backed layers is not established. Based on Kramers–Kronig relations researchers at Duke University have developed a universal result. They validated their theory with transfer matrix calculations of homogeneous materials, and full-wave numerical simulations of electromagnetic metamaterials. According to the researchers their results place more general fundamental limits on absorbers, and it will be important for both fundamental and applied […]