Topological cutoff frequency in a slab waveguide: Penetration length in topological insulator walls

Abstract

We study the propagation of electromagnetic (EM) waves in a slab-type waveguide which walls consist of three-dimensional topological insulator (3D TI). The results show that a cutoff frequency with topological stability limits the spectrum that propagates along the waveguide and are in agreement with experimental observations. Our approach also provides a way to measure the penetration length of surface metallic states in 3D TI.