Abstract
We predict a new branch of surface Josephson plasma waves (SJPWs) in layered superconductors for frequencies higher than the Josephson plasma frequency. In this frequency range, the permittivity tensor components along and transverse to the layers have different signs, which is usually associated with negative refraction. However, for these frequencies, the bulk Josephson plasma waves cannot be matched with the incident and reflected waves in the vacuum, and, instead of the negative-refractive properties, abnormal surface modes appear within the frequency band expected for bulk modes. We also discuss the excitation of high-frequency SJPWs by means of the attenuated-total-reflection method.
- Received 19 January 2010
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.104.187003
©2010 American Physical Society
Synopsis
Superconductor optics
Published 4 June 2010
In the domain of unusual optical properties, layered superconductors could be viable materials with a negative index of refraction.
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