Leaky Bloch modal evolution of wideband reflectors with zero-contrast gratings from symmetric trapezoid to triangle ridge shapes

We treat wideband subwavelength guided-mode resonant gratings with grating-depth dependent duty cycles. By rigorous numerical computations, we visualize Bloch modal evolution while transforming the grating profile from trapezoid to triangle. Parametric optimization is achieved using the coordinate transformation method of Chandezon. With the increase of the profile base angle, the higher mixed resonant modes TM1  ,  1  &  2 attract and combine and interact with the modes at both sides, forming wide reflection bands. This modal combination and interaction are the key determinant of broadband reflectivity spectral location and width. The optimized structure exhibits 99% reflectivity across a 613-nm spectral range, spanning a 1438- to 2051-nm wavelength range with a fractional bandwidth of ∼35  %  . It is shown that gratings with trapezoidal profiles possess a good tolerance to groove depth variation, thus being easier to fabricate with a diamond-tip than triangular profile-based gratings.