Reconciliation of generalized refraction with diffraction theory

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a formal equivalence between generalized refraction, which involves phase shifts at media interfaces, and blazed diffraction gratings, providing insights into wave trajectory control.

Contribution

It establishes a theoretical link between generalized refraction and diffraction grating theory, clarifying their relationship and comparative advantages.

Findings

Generalized refraction can be described using diffraction grating principles.

Phase continuity leads to wave trajectory shifts at interfaces.

The paper compares the effectiveness of both approaches.

Abstract

When an electromagnetic wave is obliquely incident on the interface between two homogeneous media with different refractive indices, the requirement of phase continuity across the interface generally leads to a shift in the trajectory of the wave. When a linearly position dependent phase shift is imposed at the interface, the resulting refraction may be described using a generalized version of Snell's law. In this Letter, we establish a formal equivalence between generalized refraction and blazed diffraction gratings, further discussing the relative merits of the two approaches.