We developed a theory to compute and interpret the photonic band structure of a periodic array of metallic helices. Interesting features of the band structure include longitudinal and circularly polarized eigenmodes and wide polarization gap. The helical symmetry also implies unusual features such as negative group velocity bands at both sides of the polarization gap and band crossings pinned at the zone boundary. A direct proof of negative refraction via a chiral route is achieved for the first time by measuring the spatial beam shift through a slab of the three-dimensional helices.

• Received 25 May 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.105.247401