Abstract: A two-dimensional, hetero-structure photonic crystal includes a first rectangular lattice array of dielectric rods provided on a portion of an air background, and a second rectangular lattice array of dielectric rods provided on another portion of the air background. The two-dimensional, hetero-structure photonic crystal provides the advantages of both the rectangular and triangular lattice arrays for application with optical beam splitters and combiners, and achieves a transmission efficiency greater than 90% in comparison to the transmission efficiency of 50% for the conventional uni-structure photonic crystals.

Abstract: Described herein a two-dimensional, hetero-structure photonic crystal and method of making the same. The two-dimensional, hetero-structure photonic crystal includes a first rectangular lattice array of dielectric rods provided on a portion of an air background, and a second rectangular lattice array of dielectric rods provided on another portion of the air background. The second rectangular lattice array is spaced from the first rectangular lattice array. The two-dimensional, hetero-structure photonic crystal further includes a triangular lattice array of dielectric rods provided between the first and second rectangular lattice arrays. A main waveguide is formed in one of the first rectangular lattice array, the second rectangular lattice array, or the triangular lattice array by removing dielectric rods from portions thereof.