Modal properties, radiation features, and applications of surface and leaky waves excited in metamaterial grounded slabs

A review of some recent results on surface and leaky waves supported by metamaterial grounded slabs is presented. Both single- and double-negative isotropic homogeneous metamaterials are considered. Conditions for avoiding propagation of surface waves are given, and their effect on radiation performance of dipole sources in the presence of truncated substrates is ascertained. Radiation properties of leaky waves are discussed, in relation with their proper or improper nature, and the possibility to achieve conical beams having circular cross section is shown. Numerical results obtained for metamaterial slabs with frequency-dependent constitutive parameters are reported.