Surface polaritons and slow propagation related to chiral media supporting backward waves

Surface polaritons related to a chiral medium which supports backward waves are considered. The conditions for the existence of surface polariton modes on the surface of a half-space or slab of such a chiral medium are studied. Numerical results for pure and quasi surface polariton modes are given for three typical chiral slabs. The net energy flux of the guided waves related to these surface polaritons may flow forward, backward or even be stopped. Surface polaritons of such a chiral slab can be used to slow down the light effectively.