Anomalies in Light Scattering: A Circuit Model Approach

Abstract: In experimental physics, it is essential to understand electromagnetic (EM) wave scattering across EM spectrum, from radio waves to X-rays, and is pivotal in driving photonics innovations. Recent advancements have uncovered phenomena like bound states in the continuum (BICs) and parity-time (PT) symmetric systems, which are closely associated with the characteristics of the scattering matrix and are governed by passivity and causality. The emergence of complex frequency excitations has transcended the constraints imposed by passivity and causality in a system, revealing effects such as virtual critical coupling and virtual gain. However, applying the concepts of complex frequency excitation in more complicated systems remains challenging. In this work, we demonstrate the extension of the lumped element model of circuit theory to the analysis of anomalies in light scattering in the complex frequency domain. We demonstrate that the circuit model approach can facilitate design and analysis of effects such as virtual perfect absorption, BICs, real and virtual critical coupling, exceptional points, and anisotropic transmission resonances (ATRs). These findings broaden comprehension of EM wave phenomena and pave the way for significant advancements in photonics, offering new methods for designing and optimizing optical devices and systems with broad-ranging applications.