Abstract
Using complex plane analysis we show that left-handed slab may support either leaky slab waves, which are backward because of negative refraction, or leaky surface waves, which are backward or forward depending on the propagation direction of the surface wave itself. Moreover, there is a general connection between the reflection coefficient of the left-handed slab and the one of the corresponding right-handed slab (with opposite permittivity and permeability) so that leaky slab modes are excited for the same angle of incidence of the impinging beam for both structures. Many negative giant lateral shifts can be explained by the excitation of these leaky modes.
Highlights
Left-handed materials [1] have long been considered a theoretical oddity
The basic physics of left-handed materials (LHM) is truly exotic and has been completely ignored until recently, it renews the physics of lamellar structures to the extend that a bare slab of LHM exhibits many surprising properties : it can for instance support unusual guided modes [3, 4] or behave as a perfect lens [5]
We show that two types of leaky waves are supported by such a structure (i) leaky slab waves which are always backward due to negative refraction and (ii) leaky surface waves which do not exist for a right-handed slab and which can be backward or forward
Summary
Left-handed materials [1] have long been considered a theoretical oddity. Since it has been demonstrated that they could be produced using metamaterials [2], they have attracted much attention. We study the exotic properties of the different types of leaky waves supported by a left-handed slab. We show that two types of leaky waves are supported by such a structure (i) leaky slab waves which are always backward due to negative refraction and (ii) leaky surface waves which do not exist for a right-handed slab and which can be backward or forward. The excitation of these modes leads to positive or negative giant lateral shifts, the latter being rather exotic [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
