Discovery of Electromagnetic Surface Waves at the Interface Between Perfect Electric Conductor and Perfect Magnetic Conductor Parallel-Plate Waveguides

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel type of electromagnetic surface wave at the interface between PEC and PMC waveguides with positive permittivity and permeability, expanding the understanding of surface wave conditions.

Contribution

It demonstrates the existence of surface waves at PEC-PMC interfaces with positive material parameters, challenging previous assumptions requiring negative permittivity or permeability.

Findings

Surface waves confirmed by mode analysis and simulations.

Prism coupling experiment validated surface wave excitation.

Resonant response similar to Drude cylinder observed.

Abstract

We propose new electromagnetic surface waves at the interface formed by connecting a perfect electric conductor (PEC) and a perfect magnetic conductor (PMC) parallel plate waveguides containing materials with positive permittivities and permeabilities. This challenges the conventional understanding that surface waves require materials with negative permittivity or permeability. Theoretical mode analysis and numerical simulations have confirmed the existence of surface waves at the PEC-PMC interface. Additionally, a simulated prism coupling experiment validated the excitation of the surface wave at the PEC-PMC interface. The resonant response of the localized surface waves on the enclosed PEC-PMC surface of a cylinder also closely resembles that of a Drude cylinder. Our finding broadens the understanding of the conditions for generating electromagnetic surface waves and deepens our comprehension of electromagnetic phenomena.