Long wave infrared tunable filter based on guided mode resonant effect

We describe here a tunable long wave infrared (LWIR) band filter based on the guided mode resonant filter (GMRF) effect. The device consists of a subwavelength dielectric grating sandwiched between planar layers of contrasting dielectric materials. Using a rigorous electromagnetic design and analysis method we demonstrate how a strong narrow band reflectance can be induced. Moreover, the resonant wavelength can be easily tuned over the entire 8-12 micron band by mechanically tilting the device with respect to the optical axis. Simulation and experimental results are presented demonstrating the effectiveness of the device.