Abstract: Enhanced reflectivity High-Contrast Gratings are described which operate in different medium. An HCG is described with a deep/buried metallization layer separated at a distance of least three to four grating thicknesses from the grating. Reflective bandwidth of the HCG is substantially increased, such as by a factor or five, by inclusion of the deep/buried metallization layer. An HCG is described which provides high reflectivity, even when embedded into materials of a moderate to high index of refraction, such as semiconductor material. Vertical cavity surface emitting laser embodiments are described which utilize these reflectivity enhancements, and preferably utilize HCG reflectors for top and/or bottom mirrors.