Optimization of photonic crystal demultiplexers based on the superprism effect

We present a general method for the optimization of two-dimensional photonic crystal demultiplexers based on the superprism effect. We define and use two figures of merit, representing the compactness and ease of realization of the structure. Based on these criteria, the effects of various design parameters on the performance of these demultiplexers are discussed, and various structures are compared. Our results suggest that triangular lattice photonic crystals with a boundary along the ΓM direction and TE polarization are the best candidates for designing superprism-based demultiplexers.