Symmetry and reciprocity constraints on diffraction by gratings of quasi-planar particles

TL;DR

This paper investigates how symmetry and reciprocity influence the polarization of light diffracted by gratings of quasi-planar particles, revealing that observed optical activity arises from reflection effects at interfaces.

Contribution

It demonstrates that optical activity in such gratings is primarily caused by reflection at the air-dielectric interface, linking symmetry, reciprocity, and diffraction behavior.

Findings

Optical activity is due to reflection at the air-dielectric interface.

Reflection coefficient directly affects polarization changes.

Symmetry and reciprocity constraints govern diffraction properties.

Abstract

Symmetry and reciprocity constraints on polarization state of the field diffracted by gratings of quasi-planar particles are considered. It is shown that the optical activity effects observed recently in arrays of quasi-planar plasmonic particles on a dielectric substrate are due to the reflection of the field at the air-dielectric slab interface and are proportional to this reflection coefficient.