The photonic band structure of a two-dimensional square lattice constr
ucted of square chiral rods is calculated by means of the electromagne
tic transfer matrix method. The result shows that absolute photonic ba
nd gaps appear in the square lattice which is the square chiral rods e
mbedded in the dielectric. The potential application of the lattice is
discussed. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.