Polarization-state-dependent attenuation and amplification in a columnar thin film. (26th October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mackay, Tom G; Lakhtakia, Akhlesh
• Is Part Of: Journal of optics. Volume 19:Number 12(2017:Dec.)
• Publication Date: 2017-10-26
• Subjects: polarization state -- reflection -- transmission -- active -- dissipative -- orthorhombic; Optics -- Periodicals; 535.05
• DOI: 10.1088/2040-8986/aa9127
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-8978

Abstract

Abstract: We numerically investigated the plane-wave reflection-transmission characteristics of a columnar thin film (CTF) whose columns are made from a dissipative material but whose void regions are filled with an active material. By computing the reflectances and transmittances, we found that the CTF can simultaneously amplify s -polarized incident light and attenuate p -polarized incident light, or vice versa. This polarization-state-dependent attenuation and amplification phenomenon depends upon the angle of incidence and the thickness of the CTF.