Homogenization of biaxial composite materials: Nondissipative dielectric properties

A homogenized composite medium (HCM) that is biaxial with respect to its di electric constitutive properties can arise even though its components have electromagnetic properties less complex than biaxial. We investigate a vari ety of means of realizing biaxial HCMs and consider how their biaxial natur e depends on the geometry, orientation, and composition of their constituen ts. We demonstrate that biaxiality in a composite medium may be achieved wh en the component mediums collectively present two noncollinear distinguishe d awes; these awes can have either an electromagnetic or topological origin .