Polarization-sensitive optical Tamm state and its application in polarization-sensitive absorption

Abstract

In conventional heterostructures consisting of metal layers and all-dielectric one-dimensional (1-D) photonic crystals (PCs), optical Tamm states (OTSs) shift toward shorter wavelengths (i.e., blueshift) as the incident angle increases for both transverse magnetic (TM) and transverse electric (TE) polarizations. Such celebrated polarization-insensitive characteristic of OTSs poses a great challenge in achieving polarization-sensitive absorption. Herein, we realize an anomalous OTS with polarization-sensitive characteristic in a heterostructure consisting of a metal layer and a 1-D PC containing hyperbolic metamaterials. As the incident angle increases, the designed OTS is redshifted for TM polarization while is blueshifted for TE polarization. The polarization-sensitive characteristic of the OTS can be explained by the phase analysis. Assisted by the designed OTS, polarization-sensitive absorption can be achieved. Our work provides a platform to engineer the angle-dependence of OTSs and would promote the development of absorption-based applications.

Keywords

• Optical Tamm states
• Heterostructures
• Photonic crystals
• Hyperbolic metamaterials
• Polarization-sensitive absorption