Refraction of electromagnetic waves in pseudo-passive media

Abstract

Abstract The problem of reflection and refraction of a plane monochromatic wave is considered in the most general formulation for a flat interface of two isotropic pseudo-passive media using the vector covariant approach of F.I. Fedorov. The generalized Fresnel coefficients for the perpendicular and parallel polarizations turn out to be complex values, except for cases when the phase difference of the permeabilities of the two media is zero or 180 degrees. The critical Brewster angles also turn out to be complex quantities. The phenomenon of total reflection, in contrast to passive transparent media, is not realized in pseudo-passive media. The energy coefficients of reflection and transmission are calculated and analyzed. Restrictions imposed on the values of the material parameters of the problem are indicated, which should be taken into account when studying refractive wave phenomena involving pseudo-passive metamaterials.