Simultaneous propagation of two Dyakonov–Tamm waves guided by the planar interface created in a chiral sculptured thin film by a sudden change of vapor flux direction

Abstract

While growing a chiral sculptured thin film by physical vapor deposition, a sudden change in the direction of the vapor flux creates a plane of discontinuity. In effect, this is a planar interface between two different structurally chiral materials. Theoretical analysis shows that more than one Dyakonov–Tamm waves, with different phase speeds and degrees of localization to this interface, may propagate in different directions guided by the interface.