Finite element computation of grating scattering matrices and application to photonic crystal band calculations

We consider the calculation of the band structure and Bloch mode basis of two-dimensional photonic crystals, modelled as stacks of one-dimensional diffraction gratings. The scattering properties of each grating are calculated using an efficient finite element method (FEM) and allow the complete mode structure to be derived from a transfer matrix method. A range of numerical examples showing the accuracy, flexibility and utility of the method is presented.