Asymmetric transmission: a generic property of lossy periodic interfaces

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that asymmetric transmission of circularly polarized waves is a universal property of lossy, periodically structured interfaces at oblique incidence, broadening potential applications across various materials.

Contribution

It generalizes the phenomenon of asymmetric transmission to any lossy periodic interface, not limited to chiral or anisotropic patterns, expanding its relevance in electromagnetics.

Findings

Asymmetric transmission occurs at oblique incidence on any lossy periodic interface.

Rectangular arrays of plasmonic spheres or quantum dots exhibit this effect.

Lossy double-periodic gratings and planar metamaterials also show asymmetric transmission.

Abstract

Asymmetric transmission of circularly polarized waves is a well-established property of lossy, anisotropic, two-dimensionally chiral patterns. Here we show that asymmetric transmission can be observed for oblique incidence onto any lossy periodically structured plane. Our results greatly expand the range of natural and artificial materials in which directionally asymmetric transmission can be expected making it a cornerstone electromagnetic effect rather than a curiosity of planar chiral metamaterials. Prime candidates for asymmetric transmission at oblique incidence are rectangular arrays of plasmonic spheres or semiconductor quantum dots, lossy double-periodic gratings and planar metamaterial structures.