On the properties of non-Bragg gaps of one-dimensional metamaterial superlattices

We present a theoretical study of the nature of photonic band gaps of one-dimensional photonic crystals containing dispersive materials. Within the transfer-matrix formalism, we calculate the photonic band structure, transmission spectra and electric field profile for multilayered structures constituted by the periodic repetition of polaritonic and left-handed layers. It is suggested that the prediction of the existence of the 〈 n 〉 = 0 , plasmon-polariton, and ϕ e f f non-Bragg gaps, according to the frequency dependence of the permittivity and permeability of both layers, may be made simpler through the definition of more convenient quantities such as the generalized impedance and optical path length.