Properties of defect modes in one-dimensional photonic crystals containing a graded defect layer

The properties of defect modes in one-dimensional photonic crystals (PCs) containing a graded defect layer are studied theoretically. The relative permittivity and magnetic permeability of the graded defect layer vary continuously along the direction perpendicular to the surface of the layer. The effect of the linear gradation profiles of the relative permittivity and permeability are studied in detail. It is shown that the defect modes appear inside the forbidden band gaps in its transmission spectra and the gradation profiles of the relative permittivity and permeability affect the defect modes significantly. By changing the gradation parameters, the intensity and position of the defect modes can be tuned. Therefore, introducing a graded defect layer in one-dimensional PCs provides possible mechanism for tuning the defect modes. This may be useful in the design of channeled filters.