S-Polarized surface electromagnetic waves in inhomogeneous media: exactly solvable models

Abstract

The spectral properties and the spatial structure of S-polarized surface electromagnetic waves propagating near the interface of an inhomogeneous solid plasma are examined by means of an exact analytical solution of Maxwell equations for a smooth density profile, characterized by two free parameters. The drastic differences between these waves and traditionally considered P-polarized surface plasmons are emphasized. The spectral parameters, the depth of localization, and the energy flux of such waves are shown to depend essentially upon the profile of carrier density in the plasma.