Electromagnetic wave tunneling through a photonic barrier and the phenomenon of frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) are considered for different spectral wavelength ranges. It is found that in a dielectric gradient barrier nonlocal dispersion occurs, whose cutoff frequency is formed by, and dependent on the shape and geometry of, the dielectric constant profile ε(z), and which is shown to be key to wave tunneling through gradient media. Particular attention is given to total transmittance below the cutoff frequency in the FTIR (reflectionless tunneling) regime typical of gradient media. Exact analytical solutions of Maxwell’s equations for tunneling effects in heterogeneous transparent dielectrics are used to demonstrate that these phenomena are common for a wide range of wavelengths. Theoretical controversies over FTIR are reviewed and perspectives on the use of gradient photonic barriers in thin layer filters and polarizers, high efficiency reflectors, and reflection free coatings are discussed.

PACS: 03.65.Ge, 03.65.Sq, 42.25.Bs, 42.25.Gy (all) DOI: 10.1070/PU2007v050n01ABEH006148 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2007/1/b/ 000246449500002 2-s2.0-34249666687 2007PhyU...50...37S Citation: Shvartsburg A B "Tunneling of electromagnetic waves: paradoxes and prospects" Phys. Usp. 50 37–51 (2007) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Шварцбург А Б «Туннелирование электромагнитных волн — парадоксы и перспективы» УФН 177 43–58 (2007); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0177.200701b.0043