Vector circuit method applied for chiral slab waveguides

Eigenvalue equations for the propagation constants of lightwaves in open chiral slab waveguides are derived. The analysis makes use of vector circuit modeling of a chiral slab, the method which has been previously applied for calculating reflection and transmission of electromagnetic waves in chiral multilayer structures. The general eigenvalue equation for the guide which is valid for arbitrary boundary impedance conditions on the slab interfaces is derived, and three special cases are analyzed in detail: an open chiral dielectric slab with dielectric half spaces of the opposite sides of the slab, a chiral slab on an ideally conducting surface, and a chiral slab on an ideal magnetic surface. The theory is visualized by calculated dispersion curves indicating the chirality effect on the wave propagation characteristics