# Physical realization of ${\cal{PT}}$-symmetric potential scattering in a planar slab waveguide

## TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how Maxwell's equations for electromagnetic waves in a gain-loss planar waveguide can be approximated by a Schrödinger equation with a ${
m PT}$-symmetric potential, providing a physical realization of such scattering phenomena.

## Contribution

It offers a novel physical implementation of ${
m PT}$-symmetric scattering potentials using planar waveguides with gain and absorption regions.

## Key findings

- Maxwell equations can be approximated by a Schrödinger equation with ${
m PT}$-symmetry.
- Physical realization of ${
m PT}$-symmetric scattering in optical waveguides.
- Potential for experimental studies of ${
m PT}$-symmetry in optics.

## Abstract

A physical realization of scattering by ${\cal{PT}}$-symmetric potentials is provided: we show that the Maxwell equations for an electromagnetic wave travelling along a planar slab waveguide filled with gain and absorbing media in contiguous regions, can be approximated in a parameter range by a Schr\"odinger equation with a ${\cal{PT}}$-symmetric scattering potential.