Asymmetric effects in waveguide systems using PT symmetry and zero index metamaterials

Yangyang Fu; Yadong Xu

doi:10.1038/s41598-017-12592-0

Asymmetric effects in waveguide systems using PT symmetry and zero index metamaterials

Sci Rep. 2017 Sep 29;7(1):12476. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-12592-0.

Authors

Yangyang Fu¹, Yadong Xu²

Affiliations

¹ College of Physics, Optoelectronics and Energy, Soochow University, No.1 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, China.
² College of Physics, Optoelectronics and Energy, Soochow University, No.1 Shizi Street, Suzhou, 215006, China. ydxu@suda.edu.cn.

Abstract

Here we demonstrate directional excitation and asymmetric reflection by using parity-time (PT) symmetric and zero index metamaterials (ZIMs) in a three-port waveguide system. The principle lies on that the field distribution at gain/ loss interface is significantly affected by the incident direction of electromagnetic wave. By taking advantage of the empty volume feature of ZIMs, these asymmetric effects are extended to a more general three-port waveguide system. In addition, by exciting a weak modulated signal in branch port in our proposed design, unidirectional transmission with an unbroken propagation state is achieved, opening up a new way distinguished from the present technologies.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't