Development and assessment of coupled wave theory of axial propagation in thin-film helicoidal bianisotropic media. Part 1: reflectances and transmittances.

The coupled wave theory (CWT) for axial propagation of light in dielectric thin-film helicoidal bianisotropic media is presented and compared with the full electromagnetic analysis (FEMA). Two sets of formulas are developed for the location and bandwidth of the wavelength regime wherein the circular Bragg phenomenon is exhibited. Multi-layer structures are also analysed using the CWT, the location of the spectral hole in a class of three-layer structures being determined analytically. Absorption and dispersion effects are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]