Electromagnetic surface waves at exceptional points

TL;DR

This paper explores electromagnetic surface waves at exceptional points on a planar interface, revealing unique propagation characteristics that do not require dissipative media, unlike traditional Voigt waves.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of Voigt surface waves arising from exceptional points, expanding understanding of wave propagation at interfaces without needing dissipative materials.

Findings

Voigt surface waves can exist at exceptional points without dissipative media

Surface waves exhibit unique spatial characteristics due to exceptional points

Potential applications in non-dissipative waveguiding and sensing

Abstract

Guided by the planar interface of two dissimilar linear, homogeneous mediums, a Voigt surface wave arises due to an exceptional point of either of the two matrixes necessary to describe the spatial characteristics in the direction normal to the planar interface. There is no requirement for either or both partnering mediums to be dissipative, unlike a Voigt plane wave which can propagate only in a dissipative medium.