Harnessing the natural resonances of time-varying dispersive interfaces
Abstract
Space-time modulation of electromagnetic parameters offers novel exciting possibilities for advanced field manipulations. In this study, we explore wave scattering from a time-varying interface characterized by a Lorentz-type dispersion with a step-like temporal variation in its parameters. Our findings reveal a new process: an unconventional frequency generation at the natural resonances of the system. Remarkably, this phenomenon enables the coupling of propagating waves to evanescent ones, allowing the direct far-field excitation of surface-wave modes without the mediation of spatial gratings or prisms. These results suggest a novel strategy for designing compact and ultra-fast photonic devices, eliminating the necessity for subwavelength spatial structuring or prolonged temporal modulations.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.2409.01831,
title = {Harnessing the natural resonances of time-varying dispersive interfaces},
author = {Carlo Rizza and Maria Antonietta Vincenti and Giuseppe Castaldi and Alessandra Contestabile and Vincenzo Galdi and Michael Scalora},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2409.01831},
year = {2025}
}
Comments
7 pages; 4 figures; link to SM fixed; DOI added