Surface-induced optical anisotropy of inhomogeneous media

We demonstrate that the presence of interfaces induces anisotropy in the optical properties of thin inhomogeneous layers. Several mechanisms are discussed that can control the properties of this surface-induced anisotropy. We found that the effective refractive indices for s- and p-polarized fields are different and depend on the thickness of the layer, concentration and optical properties of inclusions in the layer, and the angle of incidence.

► We demonstrate that interfaces induces anisotropy in the optical properties of inhomogeneous layers.
► We identify different mechanisms that control the surface-induced anisotropy.
► We show that inhomogeneous layers possess different effective refractive indices for s- and p-polarizations.
► We describe the morphological parameters controlling the uniaxial behavior.
► The results are relevant for engineering anisotropic properties in metamaterials operating in the optical regime.