Asymmetric transmission in prisms using structures and materials with isotropic-type dispersion

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Metamaterials
• Wave Optics

Background:

• Photonic crystals (PhC) offer unique light manipulation properties.
• Asymmetric transmission is a key phenomenon for optical devices.
• Prism configurations are fundamental optical components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate strong asymmetric transmission in photonic crystal prisms.
• To investigate the role of dispersion and geometry in achieving asymmetry.
• To compare PhC prisms with conventional homogeneous material prisms.

Main Methods:

• Gaussian beam illumination of single prism structures.
• Analysis of photonic crystal prisms with isotropic dispersion.
• Modeling of homogeneous material prisms for comparison.
• Investigation of prisms with refractive indices n<1 and n>1.

Main Results:

• Strong asymmetric transmission achieved in PhC prisms with circular equifrequency contours.
• Asymmetry realized through refraction at prism interfaces and wedge orientation.
• PhC prisms and ultralow-index (n<1) or dielectric (n>1) prisms show analogous asymmetric transmission.
• Unidirectional splitting and deflection regimes observed without higher diffraction orders.

Conclusions:

• Asymmetric transmission is a general property of prism configurations, achievable with simple geometries and conventional materials.
• PhC prisms can effectively mimic the behavior of homogeneous material prisms for asymmetric transmission.
• The findings enable novel optical devices based on controlled light directionality.