Analytical and numerical study of two dimensional multilayer structures for use as dichroic surfaces

A numerical technique is presented that accounts for the effect of higher order modal interaction in closely spaced planar periodic structures. Using this method dichroic multilayer structures may be analyzed while removing the restriction of single periodicity. The method includes dielectric supports and treats the case of arbitrary polarization. The technique is equally applicable to transmission type wave polarizers or spatial filter configurations that display geometrical similarities.