Geometrical Analysis of Wave Propagation in Left-Handed Metamaterials.Part I

Geometrical analyses of basic equations of electromagnetics waves propagation in anisotropic dielectric materials with magnetic isotropy are presented in two complementary papers (Part I and Part II). In the present one, analysis arises from quadrics associated with relative dielectric tensor (ε) compatible with conical surfaces that represent the general plane wave equation (relation of dispersion). This study systematizes rays propagation in left-handed materials (LHMs) exhibiting dielectric anisotropy and magnetic isotropy. In particular, where dielectric permittivities are not all the same sign, have been investigated. Graphical alternative procedures for ray tracing in these media are presented.