Motohiro-Taga interface in sculptured thin films—absence of Bragg phenomena

The reflection-transmission phenomena in sculptured thin films (STFs) of the ‘‘zigzag’’ type are considered. A finite layer of an STF is modeled as a stack of Motohiro-Taga interfaces. The boundary value problem for a plane wave obliquely incident on a single Motohiro-Taga interface is solved. This solution, incorporated into the generalized scattering matrices method, is used to evaluate the transmission and reflection coefficients of a finite layer. We show that the ordinary wave (TE polarized with respect to the plane containing the directions of inclinations of the columnar microstructures) is not reflected by the Motohiro- Taga interface. For the extraordinary (TM-polarized) wave the analysis gives zero reflection for all angles of incidence and nanocolumn inclination, while the transmission coefficients exceed the unit value under certain conditions. The result is therewith in agreement with the energy conservation statement.