Larger absolute photonic band gap in two-dimensional air–silicon structures

We investigate different aspects of the absolute photonic band gap (PBG) formation for two-dimensional photonic crystals, consisting of air rods drilled into silicon. Specifically, square lattices of square and circular rods are considered. The lattice symmetry, shape and orientation of the rods affect the photonic gap parameters. A symmetry reduction by addition of a smaller different shaped rod into the center of the lattice unit cell can produce significantly larger band gap. Combining the symmetry reduction and rotation of the noncircular rods yields the greatest improvements in the size of absolute band gap. We discuss the maximization of the absolute PBG width as a function of lattice parameters and the practical fabrication feasibility of these optimized structures.