CLASS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC SQ-MEDIA

A novel class of electromagnetic media called that of SQ-media is defined in terms of compact four-dimensional differential-form formalism. The medium class lies between two known classes, that of Q-media and SD-media (also called self-dual media). Eigenfields for the defined medium dyadic are derived and shown to be uncoupled in a homogeneous medium. However, energy transport requires their interaction. The medium shares the nonbirefringence property of the Q-media (not shared by the SD media) and the eigenfield decomposition property of the SD media (not shared by the Q-media). Comparison of the three medium classes is made in terms of their three-dimensional medium dyadics.