Negative-refractive-index fibres: TEM modes

Abstract

Transverse electromagnetic (TEM) modes are studied in circular negative-refractive-index waveguides. Such modes can be supported, if the dielectric permittivities and magnetic permeabilities of the core and cladding are equal in absolute value and differ in sign. We reveal a number of unusual properties of TEM modes in the fibre, such as zero total energy flux and the existence of a wave with homogeneous field distribution in the core. The possibility of zero group velocity dispersion is investigated as well.