Bandgap properties of two-dimensional low-index photonic crystals

We study the bandgap properties of two-dimensional photonic crystals created by a lattice of rods or holes conformed in a symmetric or asymmetric triangular structure. Using the plane-wave analysis, we calculate a minimum value of the refractive index contrast for opening both partial and full two-dimensional spectral gaps for both TM and TE polarized waves. We also analyze the effect of ellipticity of rods and holes and their orientation on the threshold value and the relative size of the bandgap.