Pneumatically switchable graded index metamaterial lens

A low-profile pneumatically switchable graded index metamaterial lens operating at 9 GHz is proposed and practically demonstrated. An effective graded refractive index is engineered using an array of electric resonators of differing resonant frequency. Normal orientation of the resonators allows ultrathin single metamaterial layer lens design. Switching between focusing and non-focusing states is practically demonstrated by shorting the gaps in split ring resonators and eliminating the resonant response and the phase difference between the elements across the lens with pneumatically actuated metal patches that are pressed against the gaps of the resonators as the pressure in the chamber is reduced.