On resolving the refractive index and the wave vector

The identification of the refractive index and the wave vector for general (possibly active) linear, isotropic, homogeneous, and nonspatially dispersive media is discussed. Correct conditions for negative refraction necessarily include the global properties of the permittivity and permeability functions epsilon = epsilon(omega) and mu = mu(omega). On the other hand, a necessary and sufficient condition for left handedness can be identified at a single frequency (Re epsilon/vertical bar epsilon vertical bar + Re mu/vertical bar mu vertical bar < 0). At oblique incidence to semi-infinite, active media, it is explained that the wave vector generally loses its usual interpretation for real frequencies. (c) 2006 Optical Society of America