Metric-Torsion Duality of Optically Chiral Structures
Abstract
We develop a metric-torsion theory for chiral structures by using a generalized framework of transformation optics. We show that the chirality is uniquely determined by a metric with the local rotational degree of freedom. In analogy to the dislocation continuum, the chirality can be alternatively interpreted as the torsion tensor of a Riemann-Cartan space, which is mimicked by the anholonomy of the orthonormal basis. As a demonstration, we reveal the equivalence of typical three-dimensional chiral metamaterials in the continuum limit. Our theory provides an analytical recipe to design optical chirality.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review Letters
- Pub Date:
- May 2019
- DOI:
- 10.1103/PhysRevLett.122.200201
- Bibcode:
- 2019PhRvL.122t0201Z