The image performance of a negative index slab and a layered slab using coupled surface modes.

This paper reviews the concept of high-resolution imaging of a negative index material (NIM) slab and compares its performance with the structure made based on the idea of coupled surface-modes layers. Fourier spectrum theoretical model and finite difference time domain numerical approach are applied to comprehensively characterize the structures and demonstrate the characteristics. It is highlighted that if the loss is small, a NIM slab can provide a better performance at a farther distance than the layered structure with the same thickness. However, considering a realistic design with relatively large loss, the later will offer a more promising performance to the loss and the image can be reconstructed in a farther distance from the object cascading more number of thin layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]