Open AccessTheory of microscopic meta-surface waves based on catenary optical fields and dispersion
Author(s) -
Mingbo Pu,
Xiaoliang Ma,
Yinghui Guo,
Xiong Li,
Xiangang Luo
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.26.019555
Subject(s) - optics , surface wave , dispersion (optics) , surface (topology) , catenary , wave propagation , physics , materials science , geometry , mathematics , quantum mechanics
Surface waves bounded by subwavelength-structured surfaces have many exotic electromagnetic properties different from those supported by smooth surfaces. However, there is a long-standing misconception, claiming that these waves must propagate along the macroscopic interface. In this paper, we describe in detail the microscopic meta-surface wave (M-wave) in artificial subwavelength structures. It is shown that the waves penetrating macroscopic surfaces share the essence of most surface waves (i.e., they spread along the microscopic interfaces, formed by adjacent constitutive materials). Equivalent circuit theory and transfer matrix method have been adopted to quantitatively describe these M-waves with high accuracy in the form of catenary optical fields and dispersion. Based on these analyses, novel omnidirectional band-stop filters and wide-angle beam deflectors are designed with operational angles up to 88°. We believe these results may provide many new perspectives for both the understanding and design of functional subwavelength structures.