We explore the possibility that zitterbewegung is the key to a complete understanding of the Dirac theory of electrons. We note that a literal interpretation of the zitterbewegung implies that the electron is the seat of an oscillating bound electromagnetic field similar to de Broglie’s pilot wave. This opens up new possibilities for explaining two major features of quantum mechanics as consequ...

Surface plasmon excitation that is due to a single or a structured circular aperture in a flat metallic screen is investigated theoretically and numerically with a view to enhancing the electric field close to the metallic surface. A systematic study of the homogeneous solution of the electromagnetic scattering problem is made with cylindrical coordinates, expanding Maxwell equations on a Fouri...

Transformation optics represents a new paradigm for designing light-manipulating devices, such as cloaks and field concentrators, through the engineering of electromagnetic space using materials with spatially variable parameters. Here we analyse liquid flowing in an optofluidic waveguide as a new type of controllable transformation optics medium. We show that a laminar liquid flow in an optofl...

This chapter presents the process of interaction of light, mainly in the xray range, with matter. The subject is introduced by some experimental evidences of x-ray absorption, emission or scattering by different kinds of material. The ways of describing the electromagnetic wave field are then briefly presented before developing its interaction with an electron in an atom. This process is then a...

A rigorous modal analysis of lamellar gratings, i.e . gratings having rectangular grooves, in conical mountings is presented . It is an extension of the analysis of Botten et al . which considered non-conical mountings. A key step in the extension is a decomposition of the electromagnetic field in the grating region into two orthogonal components. A computer program implementing this extended m...

This paper presents a nondestructive, high frequency electromagnetic evaluation method which can be applied for the examination of periodic conductive strips or conductive fibers using the evanescent modes generated in slits or in dielectric insulation between conductive fibers. For the detection of evanescent waves we propose the use of lenses with metamaterials, both conical Swiss roll type a...

The diffraction problem of a plane wave impinging on a grating formed by nested cavities is solved by means of the modal method, for s and p polarization modes. The cavities are formed by perfectly conducting sheets that describe rectangular profiles. The electromagnetic response of the grating is analyzed, paying particular attention to the generation of resonances within the structure. The de...

– In this paper we extend for the case of Maxwell equations the " X-shaped " solutions previously found in the case of scalar (e.g., acoustic) wave equations. Such solutions are localized in theory: i.e., diffraction-free and particle-like (wavelets), in that they maintain their shape as they propagate. In the electromagnetic case they are particularly interesting, since they are expected to be...