The dynamics of wave propagation in media with negative index of refraction is analyzed through analytical calculations, simulations, and experiments. Using a free space setup, the transmission characteristics of two split ring resonator and strip wire left-handed media (LHM), designed for operation at $K$-band frequencies (18–26 GHz), are measured. The first LHM, which is 3 unit cells long in the propagation direction, exhibits a maximum negative group delay of $-0.9\mathrm{ns}$. The second LHM (4 unit cells long) exhibits a maximum negative group delay of $-1.2\mathrm{ns}$. For both LHM the bandwidth of the negative group delay (and hence the negative group velocity) region was approximately 250 MHz.

• Received 5 May 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.70.046603