Wave-Medium Interactions in Dynamic Matter and Modulation Systems

Abstract

Space-time modulation systems have garnered significant attention due to their resemblance to moving-matter systems and promising applications. Unlike conventional moving-matter systems, modulation systems do not involve net motion of matter, and are therefore easier to implement and not restricted to subluminal velocities. However, canonical wave-medium interaction aspects, such as scattering and energy-momentum relations, have remained largely unexplored. In this paper, we address the aforementioned issues for three dynamic systems: moving-matter blocs, moving-perturbation interfaces and moving-perturbation periodic structures, and provide corresponding general formulations along with comparisons. Our investigation reveals the significant roles played by the "catch-up" effect between waves and interfaces. Even more interestingly, it reveals different energy and momentum exchanges between moving media and homogenized moving-perturbation structures as a result of conventional and reverse Fresnel-Fizeau drag effects.