The Josephson vortex (JV) lattice generated by the in-plane magnetic field $H_{ab}$ is a periodic array that scatters Josephson plasma waves (JPWs) in layered superconductors. This produces a photonic band gap structure, i.e. terahertz (THz) photonic crystal, with easily tunable forbidden zones, or gaps, controlled either by the in-plane magnetic field or the transverse transport current $J_{\perp }$ flowing across the superconducting layers. A giant magneto-optical effect, that is a strong dependence of the reflection and transmission coefficients on the applied in-plane magnetic field $H_{ab}$, is predicted. A relatively small change of $H_{ab}$ can switch the sample from fully transparent to fully reflective within given frequency windows. Thus, the material can change from a THz glass to a mirror by merely changing either $H_{ab}$ or $J_{\perp }$. The described effects might be useful for development switchable “glass/mirrors” THz filters tuned by either $H_{ab}$ or $J_{\perp }$.

• Received 26 July 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.74.184512