Birefringence in one-dimensional finite photonic bandgap structure

The spectral and dispersive behaviors of anisotropic layered structures forming a one-dimensional polarization-dependent photonic bandgap are discussed. The finite dimension of the structure is taken into account. Interesting field-localization properties are found when the optical axes of layers are not aligned each with each other, i.e., principal axes of layers are rotated with respect to each other. The field-localization behavior is also discussed through a suitable definition of density of modes for the anisotropic layered structure. A discussion about the behavior of the dispersion law for such a finite periodical structure is also presented. (C) 2003 Optical Society of America.