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Theory of electromagnetic wave frequency upconversion in dynamic media
Kenan Qu1, Qing Jia1, Matthew R Edwards2
1Department of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA.
Physical Review. E
|September 27, 2018
Summary
Frequency upconversion in materials with a decreasing refractive index is limited by energy partitioning into lower frequencies. This study establishes theoretical efficiency limits for wave frequency conversion in such dynamic media.
Area of Science:
- Electromagnetism and Wave Propagation
- Plasma Physics
- Metamaterials
Background:
- Frequency upconversion of electromagnetic waves is observed in specific media like ionized plasma and metamaterials.
- These phenomena are associated with decreasing electric permittivity or magnetic permeability, respectively.
- Understanding the underlying physics of wave evolution in dynamic media is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a general theory for wave evolution in homogeneous media with a temporally decreasing refractive index.
- To analyze the frequency, amplitude, and energy density changes of electromagnetic waves.
- To determine the theoretical efficiency limits for frequency upconversion.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of wave propagation in a medium with a time-varying refractive index.
- Analysis of energy density and frequency evolution based on electromagnetic wave equations.
- Derivation of efficiency limits for energy conversion during frequency upconversion.
Main Results:
- Frequency upconversion is intrinsically linked to the partitioning of wave energy into low-frequency modes.
- This energy partitioning imposes an upper limit on the efficiency of frequency conversion.
- Specific efficiency limits are derived for media with varying permittivity and varying permeability.
Conclusions:
- A general theoretical framework explains frequency upconversion in media with dynamic refractive indices.
- The inherent energy partitioning limits the maximum achievable efficiency for wave frequency upconversion.
- The findings are applicable to both plasma and metamaterial systems exhibiting such dynamic properties.
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