Propagation Constants of Resonant Waves on Homogeneous, Isotropic Slab Waveguides

Abstract

A general graphical study of the complex valued propagation constants, defining the various types of TE waves that are resonant on optical thin-film (slab) waveguides, is presented. The dielectric constants of both the slab and its surroundings are allowed to take on all possible complex values. The corresponding waves are classified into two general types: surface waves, with conductive losses only; and leaky waves, with both conductive and radiative losses.