Photonic crystal slab with layered elements

Abstract

We introduce the simulation of a photonic crystal slab with a square lattice, whose basis elements are layered cylinders of an averaged refractive index 〈n〉. We compare it with a similar photonic crystal with a basis of the same size and a refractive index matching to the average of the layered ones. Even when this is such a simple system with internal structure, we have found an interesting phenomenology: an increase in band gaps, flattening of the bands, degeneracy nodes, etc. We also introduce additional methods to fine tuning the design and analyze the inclusion of a plain cylinder defect within the slab.