Spectral signatures of axially excited slabs of dielectric thin-film helicoidal bianisotropic mediums

Computational & Theoretical Materials Sciences Group (CATMAS), Department of Engineering Science & Mechanics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802–1401, USA

Corresponding author: AXL4@psu.edu

Received: 26 January 1999
Revised: 7 July 1999
Accepted: 10 September 1999
Published online: 15 September 1999

Abstract

Dielectric thin-film helicoidal bianisotropic mediums (TFHBMs) are rotationally nonhomogeneous nano-engineered materials of recent vintage. Here, optical signatures of axially excited TFHBM slabs are calculated after solving a boundary value problem, after assuming the chosen materials to have single-resonance Lorentzian dielectric response properties. The spectrum of co- and cross-polarized reflectances and transmittances, true and apparent circular dichroisms, true and apparent linear dichroisms, ellipticity transformation, and optical rotation are presented. The role of the structural period in the spectral location of the circular Bragg phenomenon is delineated, and measures to deepen that phenomenon are discussed. The effects of structural handedness on the spectrum are also identified.