Photonic band gaps and defect modes of polymer photonic crystal slabs

We show from the photonic band calculation and the finite difference time domain simulation that polymer photonic crystal slabs with a triangular array of air holes can exhibit complete photonic band gaps for transverse electric-like modes. A line defect introduced in the polymer photonic crystal slab can create guided modes which are useful in implementing low loss waveguides. We also show that thermal nanoimprint lithography is an attractive way to pattern the triangular array of air holes with high aspect ratio, which is a necessary step in the realization of the polymer photonic crystal slab. (C) 2005 American Institute of Physics.