Pulse propagation near highly reflective surfaces: Applications to photonic band-gap structures and the question of superluminal tunneling times

Michael Scalora, Jonathan P. Dowling, Aaron S. Manka, Charles M. Bowden, and Joseph W. Haus
Phys. Rev. A 52, 726 – Published 1 July 1995
PDFExport Citation

Abstract

We address the physics of pulse propagation, energy flow, and field dynamics as described by Maxwell’s equations. After deriving the form of the Poynting vector for pulses that vary slowly in time only, we show that interference terms nontrivially affect the momentum and the energy density of an electromagnetic pulse that scatters from highly reflective materials. Inside such materials, we conclude that the magnetic- and electric-field amplitudes are strongly out of phase. We then apply our findings to the study of layered periodic structures; specifically, we examine the propagation of apparently ‘‘superluminal’’ pulses. By monitoring the local momentum and energy densities in the structure at all times, we explicitly show that the canonical energy velocity can never exceed the vacuum speed of light c at any point in the crystal.

  • Received 1 February 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.52.726

©1995 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Michael Scalora, Jonathan P. Dowling, Aaron S. Manka, and Charles M. Bowden

  • Weapons Sciences Directorate, AMSMI-RD-WS-ST, U.S. Army Missile Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama 35898-5248

Joseph W. Haus

  • Physics Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York 12180-3590

References (Subscription Required)

Click to Expand
Issue

Vol. 52, Iss. 1 — July 1995

Reuse & Permissions
Access Options
Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

Authorization Required


×
×

Images

×

Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Physical Review A

Log In

Cancel
×

Search


Article Lookup

Paste a citation or DOI

Enter a citation
×