The Mode Characteristics of an Asymmetrical Left-Handed Material Slab Waveguide Containing Dispersion

The propagating characteristics of the TM mode for an asymmetrical three-layer slab waveguide with left-handed materials containing dispersion as a core layer are studied. The results indicate that both guided waves and surface waves can propagate in the waveguide. There exists TM₀ or TM₁ mode for surface waves. However, there is no TM₀ mode for guided waves. All TM_m (order m>1) are guided waves, all TM modes exist two-mode phenomenon except TM₁ mode. In addition, the property of energy flux is also discussed.