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Bloch oscillations in chirped layered structures with metamaterials
Arthur R Davoyan1, Ilya V Shadrivov, Andrey A Sukhorukov
1Nonlinear Physics Center, Research School of Physical Sciences and Engineering, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200, Australia. ard124@rsphysse.anu.edu.au
Optics Express
|June 11, 2008
Summary
We studied electromagnetic waves in special layered materials, finding three ways Bloch oscillations can occur. A novel type involves surface waves interacting between negative-index and dielectric layers.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Metamaterials
- Optics
Background:
- Bloch oscillations describe wave behavior in periodic structures.
- Metamaterials offer unique electromagnetic properties, including negative refractive index.
- Chirped layered structures introduce variations in layer properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Bloch oscillations of electromagnetic waves in chirped layered structures.
- To explore structures with alternating negative-index metamaterial and dielectric layers.
- To analyze the effect of a linearly varying layer thickness (chirp) on wave behavior.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of electromagnetic wave propagation.
- Modeling of layered structures with alternating negative-index and dielectric materials.
- Consideration of zero average refractive index and linear chirp in layer thickness.
Main Results:
- Identified three distinct types of Bloch oscillations for electromagnetic waves.
- Observed oscillations associated with both propagating and evanescent guided modes.
- Predicted a new type of Bloch oscillation due to surface wave coupling.
Conclusions:
- Chirped layered structures with alternating negative-index and dielectric materials exhibit rich Bloch oscillation phenomena.
- Surface wave coupling at interfaces can lead to novel Bloch oscillation behaviors.
- These findings contribute to understanding wave dynamics in complex metamaterial structures.
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