Electromagnetic modes in semi-infinite photonic crystals

In a real photonic crystal, there exist three modes: propagation mode, evanescence mode and surface mode. Using ideal modal, semi-infinite photonic crystals, we study their effects on the transmission spectrum of photonic crystals, respectively. Because there exists only one air–crystal interface in a semi-infinite photonic crystal, no multiple reflection occurs and no evanescent modes and backward-propagating modes exist in this structure. The effects of the evanescence modes are studied by comparing the transmission spectrum of a finite-thickness photonic crystal slab and that of a semi-infinite photonic crystal. In addition, the effects of the backward-propagating modes are investigated using a coated semi-infinite photonic crystal structure. Finally, we study the effects of the surface modes, and find that the transmission spectrum of a semi-infinite photonic crystal is strongly dependent on its termination.