Dynamic tuning of electromagnetic response in optical metamaterials allows for unique applications, with self-assembly of soft materials like liquid crystals providing tunable optical properties.
This study demonstrates that a self-assembled system of gold nanoparticles and a photo-active chiral liquid crystal exhibits tunable epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) behavior when exposed to different light sources, showcasing significant changes in localized surface plasmon resonance.
Experimental and theoretical analysis confirms the system's effective permittivity and ENZ behavior in the visible spectrum, enhancing its potential as a useful metamaterial in optical applications.