In this paper, we address resonant leaky-mode reflectors made with a periodic silicon layer on an insulating substrate. Our objective is to explain the physical basis for their operation and to quantify the bandwidth provided by a single resonant layer by illustrative examples for both TE and TM polarized incident light. We find that the number of participating leaky modes and their excitation conditions affect the bandwidth. We show that recently reported experimental [1, 2] wideband reflectors operate under leaky-mode resonance. These compact reflectors are new elements with many potential applications in photonic systems. The results presented explaining their physical basis will aid in their continued development.

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