Controlling flow of light in the one-way EM waveguide

By using a generalized finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method which allows to study the propagation of electromagnetic (EM) waves through media with tensor magneto-optic permittivity we studied transport properties of the one-way waveguide consisting of the interface between a metal and uniformly magnetized 2D photonic crystal fabricated from a transparent dielectric magneto-optic (MO) material. Specifically, we examined how the one-way functionality is affected in the presence of a time-dependent external magnetic field. By evaluating Fourier transform of the energy density we inspected the field patterns observed. We have shown that the harmonic modulation of the magnetic field gives rise to a discrete spectrum of both the localized and the propagating modes. The results obtained by using Fourier analysis of field distribution which indicate existence of new and interesting features may lead to new ways to dynamically control and manipulate the surface plasmon-polariton waves that can be employed in design of active devices.