Hybrid surface waves in semi-infinite metal-dielectric lattices

Abstract

We investigate surface waves at the boundary between a semi-infinite layered metal-dielectric nanostructure cut normally to the layers and a semi-infinite dielectric. Spatial dispersion properties of such a nanostructure can be dramatically affected by coupling of surface plasmons polaritons at different metal-dielectric interfaces. As a consequence, the effective medium approach is not applicable in general. It is demonstrated that Dyakonov-like surface waves with hybrid polarization can propagate in an angular range substantially enlarged compared to conventional birefringent materials. Our numerical simulations for an Ag-GaAs stack in contact with glass show a low to moderate influence of losses.