Sandwiched grating for high efficiency with wide bandwidth and polarization independence

We describe novel sandwiched grating for high efficiency with polarization independence. The grating parameters can be optimized based on modal method and rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA). According to modal method, grating period and duty cycle are prescribed for polarization independence by excited modes with different effective indices. Using RCWA, accurate grating depth and covering layer thickness are optimized by numerical calculation. The sandwiched grating can show high efficiency for both TE and TM polarizations with the optimized grating period, duty cycle, depth, and covering layer thickness. Most importantly, wideband property can be obtained for operation around the central wavelength of 800 nm. The presented novel sandwiched grating can have merits of high efficiency, polarization independence, and wideband property, which should be of great significance for numerous applications.