Resolving subwavelength objects with a crossed wire mesh superlens operated in backscattering mode

In this work, we demonstrate that a crossed-wires superlens operated in backscattering mode can resolve targets separated by a subwavelength distance. It is theoretically shown that the effect of the backscattered field on the return loss of a probe antenna is sufficiently strong to allow us to discriminate the targets over a broad range of frequencies. These properties have been experimentally confirmed at microwave frequencies. 4 Author to whom any correspondence should be addressed. New Journal of Physics 13 (2011) 053004 1367-2630/11/053004+13$33.00 © IOP Publishing Ltd and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft