Dyakonons in hyperbolic metamaterials

We have analyzed surface-wave propagation that takes place at the boundary between an isotropic medium and a semi-infinite metal-dielectric periodic medium cut normally to the layers. In the range of frequencies where the periodic medium shows hyperbolic space dispersion, hybridization of surface waves (dyakonons) occurs. At low to moderate frequencies, dyakonons enable tighter confinement near the interface in comparison with pure SPPs. On the other hand, a distinct regime governs dispersion of dyakonons at higher frequencies.

This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (project TEC2011-29120-C05-01) and by the Qatar National Research Fund (project NPRP 09-462-1-074). CJZR gratefully acknowledges a financial support from the Generalitat Valenciana (grant BEST/2012/060).