Magnetic component of light, natural materials vs metamaterials

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The discussion centers on the stronger interaction of the magnetic component of light with metamaterials compared to natural materials. This is attributed to the unique properties of metamaterials, particularly their engineered inductance, permeability, and permittivity, which enhance their interaction with electromagnetic waves. While metals can also interact strongly with light, metamaterials, often composed of small metallic elements, are specifically designed to manipulate light at sub-wavelength scales. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these properties for further research. Overall, the interaction dynamics between light and materials are crucial for advancements in photonics and material science.
SpaceKidd_N7
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Why is it that the magnetic component of light interacts more with metamaterials than with naturally occurring materials?

It would be nice to explain this in terms of inductance, permeability, and permittivity within SRR metamaterials.

I'm currently an undergraduate participating in research for the summer. I've only taken general physics 1 and 2, but please don't hesitate to give details that might be too advanced for me to understand. I plan on reading more about any details that I don't understand or have not learned yet.

Thank you very much!
 
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They don't have to interact "more" - as an example, metals can interact strongly with the magnetic component of light. Metamaterials often have small metallic elements, and they interact significantly with light, too.
 
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It may be shown from the equations of electromagnetism, by James Clerk Maxwell in the 1860’s, that the speed of light in the vacuum of free space is related to electric permittivity (ϵ) and magnetic permeability (μ) by the equation: c=1/√( μ ϵ ) . This value is a constant for the vacuum of free space and is independent of the motion of the observer. It was this fact, in part, that led Albert Einstein to Special Relativity.
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