title: Imperfect perfect lens.
abstract: We have quantitatively established a fundamental limitation on the ultimate spatial resolution of the perfect lens (thin metal slab) in the near field. This limitation stems from the spatial dispersion of the dielectric response of the Fermi liquid of electrons with Coulomb interaction in the metal. We discuss possible applications in nanoimaging, nanophotolithography, and nanospectroscopy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics and Astronomy, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
authors.forename: Ivan A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Larkin
authors.forename: Mark I
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Stockman
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D007909:Lenses; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D020349:Surface Plasmon Resonance / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D008670:Metals