Broadband Bragg phenomenon in a uniform birefringent medium

A new mechanism of Bragg phenomenon is theoretically identified that, remarkably, occurs in a uniform medium and relies on resonant tuning of the medium parameters rather than on wavelength-matching. Due to the unifor-mity, reflection ensues over a broad wavelength range, much like a metal, but is polarization dependent: one circular state is reflected, whereas the other is transmitted. Such a medium can thus provide a broadband, low-loss polar-ization divider/combiner. Assessing a realistic embodiment with loss and material dispersion, we discuss practical real-izations within range of current meta-media technology at terahertz and optical frequencies.Published by Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Cre-ative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published arti-cle's title, journal citation, and DOI.

Automated summary

A new mechanism of Bragg phenomenon, occurring in a uniform medium through resonant tuning of the medium parameters, is identified. This mechanism leads to reflection over a broad wavelength range, similar to a metal, but with polarization dependence. An embodiment with loss and material dispersion is discussed, along with practical realizations within the capabilities of current meta-media technology at terahertz and optical frequencies.