Refractive index profiles for a $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric optical structure

Abstract: By mapping the scalar Helmholtz equation (SHE) to the Sch\"{r}odinger form we investigate the behaviour of $\mathcal{PT}$ optical structure when the refractive index distribution $n$ admits variation in the longitudinal direction only. Interpreting the Sch\"{r}odinger equation in terms of a superpotential we determine the supersymmetric partners for $n$. We also obtain new analytical solutions for the refractive index profiles and provide graphical illustrations for them.