Unidirectional polarization beam splitters via exceptional points and finite periodicity of Non-Hermitian PT-symmetry

Abstract

We present a theoretical study of a novel polarization beam splitter (PBS), different to conventional time-reversal symmetry one, where can be totally reflected at two opposite sides with one specific linearly polarized light incident and can be transparent at only one side with its orthogonal linearly polarized light incident. %In addition, intensity of totally reflected beam would suffer from different The mechanism we employ is by both an exceptional point and finite periodicity of Non-Hermitian PT-symmetry. To be more specific, we design such PBS made of a finite periodic structure in which each unit cell has a delicate balance gain and loss in spatial distribution. In order to have one linearly polarized light totally reflected, the corresponding polarized unit cell has to be operated at some PT-symmetry phase of reflection band. To have single-sided transparent for its orthogonal polarized light, the corresponding polarized unit cell should be designed at an exceptional point as well as has asymmetric reflectance. Interestingly, such single-sided transparent phenomenon is independent of total number of unit cell. We believe this asymmetry PBS may excite a new route to polarization control.