PHOTONIC BANDGAP OF 2-DIMENSIONAL DIELECTRIC CRYSTALS

The existence of an absolute photonic bandgap in the near-infrared for two-dimensional periodic dielectric structures is discussed for photo ns propagating in the plane of such 2D crystals. A special emphasis is put on the influence of the shape and size of the filling pattern on the absolute bandgap formation. A very large absolute photonic bandgap is predicted for 2D crystals formed by etching into a semiconductor s lab a periodic array of large vertical cylindric voids of circular cro ss-section arranged in a triangular lattice. The technological feasibi lity of such ''optimum'' air/GaAs 2D crystals by standard processing t echniques (electron beam lithography and reactive ion etching) is demo nstrated.