Optical properties of antiferromagnetic/ion-crystal superlattices

Transmission, refraction and absorption properties of an antiferromagnetic/ion-crystal superlattice are investigated. The transmission spectra based on FeF2/TlBr superlattices reveal that there exist two intriguing guided modes in a wide stop band. Additionally, FeF2/TlBr superlattices possess either the negative refraction or the quasi left-handedness, or even simultaneously hold them at certain frequencies of two guided modes, which require both negative magnetic permeability of antiferromagnetic layers and negative permittivity of ion-crystal layers. Frequency regimes of the guided modes will be dependent on the magnitude of the external magnetic field. Therefore, handedness and refraction properties of the system can be manipulated by modifying the external magnetic field. Absorption spectra exhibit that absorption corresponding to guided modes is noticeable. - Highlights: → Transmission, refraction and absorption of an antiferromagnetic/ion-crystal superlattice are investigated. → Either negative refraction or the quasi left-handedness at some frequencies is found. → This appealing character can be controlled by the external magnetic field. → A requirement for negative refraction or left-handedness is summed up.