Multiplicity of surface polariton configurations in bi-isotropic media with anomalous Hall current

Abstract

In this work, we investigate surface polaritons (SPs) arising at the interface between a simple dielectric and a bi-isotropic medium, in the lossless regime and in the presence of small losses. For the former, non-Dyakonov surface polaritons can arise for positive permittivities and magnetoelectric parameters. General restrictions on the permittivities and bi-isotropic parameter (existence conditions) are derived. For the latter, the effect of small losses is considered, and the characteristic surface plasmon-polariton lengths are discussed. The propagation length can exhibit a local maximum for specific values of the magnetoelectric parameter, an unusual new behavior that can be regarded as a signature of these chiral surface polaritons. Surface waves in an interface involving a bi- isotropic medium with an anomalous Hall effect (AHE) are also examined. Multiple configurations for their occurrence are obtained, revealing a richer scenario with distinct regimes of propagation and coexistence in the parameter space. The presence of a non-null AHE contribution creates a magnetoelectric range for which the surface wave propagation is forbidden, providing an additional signature of surface-polariton propagation in bi-isotropic media with an AHE contribution.