| This work provides an overview of the theory used in the study of guided-mode resonance (GMR) gratings, as well as the application of that theory to the design of a tunable GMR device. Several simple models are presented which aid the understanding of the fundamental principles of GMR. Rigorous coupled-wave analysis and finite element method simulation are implemented for the analysis of several grating structures. These tools are applied to the design of a tunable one-dimensional GMR grating. This device, which is tuned via changes in air-pressure, consists of a titanium dioxide grating structure embedded in a flexible polydimethylsiloxane membrane. The grating produces a resonance response at a wavelength dependent upon the refractive index of the surrounding medium. By varying the pressure, lateral strain is applied to the grating, allowing resonances to be produced for a wide range of refractive indices at a fixed wavelength of 850 nm. |
