Between Right and Left Handed Media

TL;DR

This paper presents analytical calculations of electromagnetic wave propagation through an inhomogeneous layer between right- and left-handed media, revealing field localization effects influenced by layer properties and defects.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed analytical model for wave behavior in layered media with inhomogeneous refractive index profiles, including effects of losses and defects.

Findings

Field localization is significantly affected by layer width and losses.

Transmission properties depend on the inhomogeneity and defects in the layer.

Evanescent wave superposition leads to strong localized fields.

Abstract

We report analytical calculations for the propagation of electromagnetic radiation through an inhomogeneous layer whose refractive index varies in one dimension situated between bulk right- and left-handed media. Significant field localization is generated in the layer that is caused by the coherent superposition of evanescent waves. The strength of the field localization and the transmission properties of the layer are investigated as a function of the layer width, losses and defects in the refractive index; the former two being modelled by continuous changes, and the latter by discontinuous changes, in the index profile.