Refraction and phase modulation of surface electromagnetic waves propagating at the boundary of a one-dimensional photonic crystal

Refraction, reflection, and phase modulation of surface electromagnetic waves propagating along the interface of a one-dimensional dielectric photonic crystal and homogeneous medium are studied theoretically and numerically. Surface waves are refracted at dielectric steps positioned directly on the surface of their propagation (on the surface of the photonic crystal). Phase modulation is implemented due to varying the geometric parameters of the steps. Refraction and phase modulation are studied at an arbitrary angle of incidence. It has been found that phase modulation and refraction of surface waves at certain parameters are well described by an analytical model based on Fresnel formulas for a plane electromagnetic wave. At the same time, refraction and phase modulation of a surface wave can significantly differ from the behavior of plane wave and have some features of interest. The obtained results can be applied in developing elements of “two-dimensional” optics for surface electromagnetic waves.