Hybrid surface waves in semi-infinite metal-dielectric lattices

TL;DR

This paper explores hybrid surface waves at the boundary of layered metal-dielectric nanostructures, revealing unique propagation properties and limitations of effective medium theory, with potential applications in nanophotonics.

Contribution

It demonstrates the existence of Dyakonov-like hybrid surface waves in semi-infinite metal-dielectric stacks and analyzes their propagation characteristics beyond effective medium approximations.

Findings

Hybrid surface waves with enlarged angular propagation range

Effective medium approach is generally not applicable

Low to moderate losses observed in simulations

Abstract

We investigate surface waves at the boundary between a semi-infinite layered metal-dielectric nanostructure cut normally to the layers and a semi-infinite dielectric. Spatial dispersion properties of such a nanostructure can be dramatically affected by coupling of surface plasmons polaritons at different metal-dielectric interfaces. As a consequence, the effective medium approach is not applicable in general. It is demonstrated that Dyakonov-like surface waves with hybrid polarization can propagate in an angular range substantially enlarged compared to conventional birefringent materials. Our numerical simulations for an Ag-GaAs stack in contact with glass show a low to moderate influence of losses.