Transformation optics which relies on the formal invariance of Maxwell's equations under a spatial coordinate transformation, plays important roles in various branches of modern optics and technical application by providing schemes to tailor electromagnetic fields into desired spatial patterns. We review the concept development of transformation optics, provide a briefly introduction for the physical principles of transformation optics, discuss typically applications including invisibility cloaking, illusion optics and waveguiding and extensions on the manipulation of sonic waves, heat flows and quantum waves. We also discuss potential future developments of the concepts and applications of transformation optics.

Chinese Journal of Quantum Electronics, 2014