Guided Modes in a Four-Layer Slab Waveguide with Dispersive Left-Handed Material

Abstract

A four-layer slab waveguide including left-handed material is investigated numerically in this paper. Considering left-handed material dispersion, we find eight TE guided modes as frequency from 4 GHz to 6 GHz. The fundamental mode can exist, and its dispersion curves are insensitive to the waveguide thickness. Besides, the total power fluxes of TE guided modes are analyzed and corresponding new properties are found, such as: positive and negative total power fluxes coexist; at maximum value of frequency, we find zero total power flux, etc. Our results may be of benefit to the optical waveguide technology.