Surface electromagnetic waves on dielectrics with conducting interfaces

Abstract

In several recent papers, layered waveguide structures with conductive interfaces have been discussed, whose propagation properties are controlled by a transverse voltage. These structures can be used as a dynamic optical read/write memory cell, and programmable optical diffractive element. In this paper, the excitation of surface waves with the presence of interface charges is discussed. Interface charges affect the dispersion of surface waves, and therefore they can be used in various applications such as optical modulators, switches, sensors and filters. These waves can be superior to surface plasmon waves since they are not lossy. The lossless property is satisfied in limited range: millimeter waves to far infrared.