Unipolar photonic memristive-like nonlinear switching in split-ring resonator based metamaterials

Photonic memristor, which performs the function as memristor working on electromagnetic fields, can accelerate the development of all-optical network. A unipolar photonic memristive-like switching behavior in split-ring resonator based metamaterials was reported. Transmission-power (T-P) loops are observed in the metamaterials. And the T-P loops change with the detect frequency which indicates the tunability and designability of the photonic memristor. These behaviors are attributed to the increasing dielectric constant of MgTiO3 ceramic caused by the interaction of sample and electromagnet field. The mechanism supplies a general foundation for photonic memristors which can be used from radio frequency to optical wavelength.