Century Old Mathematical Theory Helps Scientists Discover New Type of Light Wave

James Clerk Maxwell is known for his classical theory of electromagnetic radiation, where he for the first time showed that electricity, magnetism and light were the same phenomenon that manifest differently. After Newton, Maxwell’s equations for electromagnetism have been the second great unification in physics.

Maxwell also developed set a of mathematical equations in 1800s, showing that light waves could be created as a result of particular manipulations of crystals. Based on these century old mathematical formulations, Edinburgh University’s Dr. Tom Mackay and his colleagues from Pennsylvania State University demonstrated the existence of a new kind of light wave. The research has been published in Proceedings of the royal Society.

The phenomena, named as Dyakonov-Voigt waves, could also have wide-ranged applications, for example improving biosensors used to screen blood samples or developing fiber optic circuits for more efficient data transfer.

The researchers analysed how light waves interact with certain naturally occurring or man-made crystals and found that Dyakonov-Voigt waves are produced at the interface—the specific region where the crystals meet another material such as oil or water. Their analysis also revealed that these kinds of waves could only be produced by the use of certain kinds of crystals of some specific properties. The crystals’ optical properties should depend on the direction of passing of light through them.

The team identified the unique properties of the waves using the mathematical models that incorporated the equations developed by James Clerk Maxwell. They also found that Dyakonov-Voigt surface waves diminish as they move away from the interface – a process called decay – and travel only in a single direction. The difference that these waves have in comparison to other kinds of surface waves is that other surface waves decay more quickly and travel in multiple directions after they move away from the interface.

“Dyakonov-Voigt surface waves represent a step forward in our understanding of how light interacts with complex materials, and offer opportunities for a range of technological advancements,” said Dr. Tom Mackay, the lead author of the study.