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Wave Refraction in Negative-Index Media: Always Positive and Very Inhomogeneous

P. M. Valanju, R. M. Walser, and A. P. Valanju
Phys. Rev. Lett. 88, 187401 – Published 19 April 2002
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Abstract

We present the first treatment of the refraction of physical electromagnetic waves in newly developed negative index media (NIM), also known as left-handed media (LHM). The NIM dispersion relation implies that group fronts refract positively even when phase fronts refract negatively. This difference results in rapidly dispersing, very inhomogeneous waves. In fact, causality and finite signal speed always prevent negative wave signal (not phase) refraction. Earlier interpretations of phase refraction as “negative light refraction” and “light focusing by plane slabs” are therefore incorrect, and published NIM experiments can be explained without invoking negative signal refraction.

  • Received 12 September 2001

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.88.187401

©2002 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

P. M. Valanju1,2, R. M. Walser2, and A. P. Valanju2

  • 1Fusion Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
  • 2Center for Electromagnetic Materials and Devices, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78758

Comments & Replies

Comment on “Wave Refraction in Negative-Index Media: Always Positive and Very Inhomogeneous”

J. B. Pendry and D. R. Smith
Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 029703 (2003)

Valanju, Walser, and Valanju Reply:

P. M. Valanju, R. M. Walser, and A. P. Valanju
Phys. Rev. Lett. 90, 029704 (2003)

See Also

Left-Handed Materials Debate Heats Up

JR Minkel
Phys. Rev. Focus 9, 23 (2002)

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Issue

Vol. 88, Iss. 18 — 6 May 2002

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