Transverse-electric/transverse-magnetic polarization converter using 1D finite biaxial photonic crystal

We show that by using a one-dimensional anisotropic photonic structure, it is possible to realize optical wave polarization conversion by reflection and transmission processes. Thus a single incident S(P) polarized plane wave can produce a single reflected P(S) polarized wave and a single transmitted P(S) polarized wave. This polarization conversion property can be fulfilled with a simple finite superlattice (SL) constituted of anisotropic dielectric materials. We discuss the appropriate choices of the material and geometrical properties to realize such structures. The transmission and reflection coefficients are calculated in the framework of the Green's function method. The amplitude and the polarization characteristics of reflected and transmitted waves are determined as functions of frequency, wave vector k(parallel) (parallel to the interface), and the orientations of the principal axes of the layers constituting the SL. Specific applications of these results are given for a SL consisting of alternating biaxial anisotropic layers NaNO(2)/SbSI sandwiched between two identical semi-infinite isotropic media.