Omnidirectional reflection from Solc-type anisotropic periodic dielectric structures

Recently it was shown theoretically [Opt. Commun. 174, 43 (2000)] that a So le folded-type anisotropic dielectric structure under certain conditions ex hibits omnidirectional reflection at any polarization over a wide spectral range. Here, omnidirectional reflection from Sole folded-type dielectric pe riodic structures is further analyzed. Transfer-matrix methodology is appli ed. Simple expressions are obtained for transfer matrices at interfaces and the unit cell translation matrix. Dispersion relations are determined. Num erical examples are shown comparatively for isotropic and Sole-type anisotr opic periodic structures. The Sole-type structure has a wider band of omnid irectional reflection. The results demonstrate that anisotropic materials s hould be useful in photonic bandgap structures. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 230.4170, 260.1180, 260.1440, 260.5430, 310.6870, 350. 2460.