Existence of weak solutions to refraction problems in negative refractive index materials (Q2358251)

The paper is devoted to studying refraction problems in the setting of negative refractive index materials (NIMs). Materials with a negative refractive index do not exist naturally, but have been constructed in the laboratory. They cause light to refract, or bend, in such a way that the refracted ray makes a negative angle with the normal. In the paper, the existence of weak solutions to certain refraction problems in the setting of NIMs, both in the near and far field, is proved. Solutions are obtained when the target measure is discrete, as well as when it is given by a general Radon measure. The far field problem is treated using techniques from optimal mass transport. Coefficients of the nonlinear partial differential equation of Monge-Ampère type that arises in the far field problem are calculated explicitly. Finally, an example of a function satisfying the so-called A3w condition is produced.