Microplasma array with metamaterial effects

Metamaterial effects emerging from a spatially-arranged microplasma array was investigated at microwave frequencies. With elaborated spatial designs of periodic columnar microplasmas, they serve as a converter of microwaves in the complex plane with various functions. Composites of microplasmas and metal wires show extraordinary properties for electromagnetic waves, such as negative-refractive index, which have not been naturally available. These two aspects of microplasma arrangement will open novel features beyond the conventional materials, which can be referred to as plasma metamaterial effects.