Theory of nonlinear interaction between TE and TM waves

The first reported calculations of the eigenstates of surface-guided nonlinear coupled electromagnetic TE–TM waves in Kerr-type nonlinear dielectrics are presented. It is shown that the stationary states exist between loci that define a pure nonlinear TE wave with a zero-amplitude TM wave and a pure nonlinear TM wave with a zero-amplitude TE wave. The relative TE/TM content of the waves is given, together with the field profiles of the waves, for a single interface between a nonlinear and a linear dielectric. For the metal film the coupling possibilities greatly increase, and these are discussed in detail with reference to the familiar long- and short-range plasmons.