A Photonic-Crystal Selective Filter

A highly selective filter is designed, working at 1.55 μm and having a 3-dB bandwidth narrower than 0.4 nm, as is required in Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexed systems. Different solutions are proposed, involving photonic crystals made rectangular- or circular-section dielectric rods, or else of holes drilled in a dielectric bulk. The polarization and frequency selective properties are achieved by introducing a defect in the periodic structure. The device is studied by using in-house codes implementing the full-wave Fourier Modal Method. Practical guidelines about advantages and limits of the investigated solutions are given.