Using the transfer-matrix method, we calculate the transmission coefficient versus the frequency of the incident electromagnetic waves propagating in photonic-band-gap structures constructed from dispersive and highly absorbing materials. We study how the photonic band gaps are affected by the presence of polariton gaps and/or absorption. Also, the possible difficulties of their experimental investigation are discussed.

• Received 10 January 1994

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.49.11080