Enhanced superprism effect in symmetry reduced photonic crystals

Abstract

We propose compact S-vector superprism providing broadband wavelength sensitivity within a/λ = 0.610-0.635, where "a" is the lattice constant, λ is the incident wavelength, and S denotes the Poynting vector. The reported configuration overcomes strong beam divergence and complex beam generation due to the self-collimation ability of the low symmetric primitive photonic crystal (PhC) cells. Analytical calculations of equi-frequency contours, photonic band structures, and group velocity dispersions are performed by solving Maxwell's equations and using the plane wave expansion method. Besides, finite-difference time-domain analyses are also conducted. The designed superprism induces large refracted angle variation for different frequencies when the incident angle is fixed: 4% change of incident frequencies results in approximately 40° deflected angle difference with a maximum 68.9° deflection angle inside the PhC. Meanwhile, for a fixed incident wavelength, a large output variation occurs if the incident angle is altered. Microwave experimental results are found to be in good agreement with the numerical analyses.