The time-harmonic Maxwell equations in a doubly periodic structure (Q1191808)

The authors consider two media of different dielectric constants being separated by a doubly periodic surface, say \(z=f(x,y)=f(x+mL_ 1,y+nL_ 2)\), for integers \(m\) and \(n\). Starting with the periodic Maxwell equation a periodic fundamental solution for the appropriate elliptic equation is constructed. This is used to obtain an integral representation of the periodic components of the electromagnetic field. Finally, the existence and uniqueness of a solution satisfying a radiation condition at infinity is reduced to a system of Fredholm equations. Thus, for all but a discrete set of values of the dielectric constants there exists a unique solution. The problem studied is motivated by the industrial manufacturing process where microelectronic tools are used to make optical devices.