Broadband self-collimation in C2 symmetric photonic crystals

Abstract

In this study, we report a low-symmetric photonic crystal (PhC) structure that exhibits high coupling efficiency in a broadband frequency range with a tilted self-collimating capability. First, the analytical approach is implemented as a starting point, and the ideal configuration is chosen for the self-collimation effect, which is analytically supported by group velocity dispersion and third-order-dispersion calculations. Then, numerical analyses in both time and frequency domains are performed to the ideal PhC design, which possesses a strong self-collimating characteristic, even at huge incident angles within the operating frequencies. Later, experimental measurements are conducted in microwaves, and the existing self-collimation property is still preserved at longer wavelengths in the millimeter scale. The microwave experiment as well as numerical analyses indicate that the designed PhC self-collimator allows overcoming possible misalignment problems at the PhC–source interface and enables a strong broadband beam channeling with a high transmission.