On the history of complex-media electromagnetics and metamaterials research [Invited]

This paper is a discussion of the main steps of research in the field of complex-media electromagnetics. First, I give references to probably the first papers on artificial electromagnetic materials, which we now call metamaterials and metasurfaces . Interestingly, these works were made already in the 19th century, very soon after the Hertz experiments. Next, I discuss the main development steps in recent times. I show that each of these steps was initiated by an exciting idea that, as such, was found to be not realizable, yet leading to significant results from related studies. I highlight the key contributions of Prof. Nader Engheta that have made a strong impact on research in all these directions.