Thin Diffraction Grating Technology

Abstract : Reflective diffraction gratings employ periodic arrays of a given three dimensional structure to produce appropriate constructive and destructive interference to redirect an incident wave. Depending upon the angle of incidence, the thickness required for this structure can range from a fraction ofa wavelength to several wavelengths. Whilst such a thickness does not present a problem for optical applications it can make the diffraction grating very bulky for radio applications, notably in the lower frequency bands. This paper presents a new thin diffraction grating employing resonant structures, whose thickness is only 1/34th of a wavelength.