Surface waves in chiral layers

We analyze the surface-wave propagation in homogeneous layers of chiral or optically active materials. Two cases of chiral slab are considered: a symmetric chiral slab waveguide and a grounded chiral slab waveguide. The dispersion relation and the electric-field components for surface waves guided in a symmetric chiral slab are analyzed and discussed in detail. The plots of dispersion diagrams and normalized intensities of electric-field components of surface waves are given for both symmetric and grounded chiral slabs, and their novel features are pointed out. The effects of chirality on these diagrams and field components are discussed. Physical insights and potential applications of the results are addressed.