Anomalous rotation characteristics of circularly polarized beam in left-handed materials

Abstract

According to Whittaker scalar theory, a vector transmission model of circularly polarized beam is established. Based on this model, the anomalous rotating characteristics of circularly polarized beam in left-handed materials are investigated. By analyzing the polarization state and diffraction, the abnormal rotation characteristics of beam centroid are revealed. When the circularly polarized light beam propagates in a left-handed material,the rotation characteristic is reversed and the corresponding rotation angle is equal to the Gouy phase. We find that this abnormal rotating characteristic is caused by the reversed transverse energy flow. These findings provide a better understanding of the transmission characteristics of beam in left-handed materials.