Parametric dependence of unidirectional guided resonances in periodic structures

Unidirectional guided resonances (UGRs) in periodic structures are special resonant modes that exhibit strict one-sided radiation, even though radiation in both sides is allowed, offering significant advantages for various applications. Under a structural perturbation, a UGR typically turns to a regular resonant mode that radiates to both sides. Existing numerical results indicate that to find UGRs in any periodic structure, it is necessary to tune at least one parameter. In this work, we develop a rigorous theory on the parametric dependence of UGRs. We show that in the presence of a single radiation channel, a UGR can exist continuously with respect to a structural parameter, provided that another parameter (associated with a generic perturbation) is properly tuned. Moreover, from a periodic structure with a generic bound state in the continuum (BIC), it is always possible to obtain a continuous family of UGRs by tuning one parameter. This implies that UGRs with arbitrarily large quality factor can be easily obtained. Our work provides a theoretical basis for designing useful photonic devices based on UGRs. ©2025 American Physical Society.