GRATING ELECTROMAGNETIC THEORY USER GUIDE

Recent state-of-art applications of diffraction gratings and stratifie d materials with one or several modulated interfaces impose specific r equirements on electromagnetic grating theory. A review of such applic ations is presented here with an emphasis on the aspects of the theore tical methods required for their efficiency prediction and optimizatio n. A brief review of the basic ideas of the various electromagnetic th eories used is given. The specific domain of validity for each theory is discussed together with advantages and shortcomings. The aim is to serve as a guide in selecting the most appropriate theoretical method for handling specific grating problems.