Abstract
A new hybrid theoretical method for modelling light diffraction by a cylinder is proposed, based on a curvilinear non-orthogonal transformation of the coordinate system, which transforms the cylinder surface into a circular cylinder. When this method is applied to diffraction gratings, Maxwell equations are integrated using eigenvalue technique. In Contrast to this case, the cylindrical geometry requires numerical integration, thus the hybrid nature of the method. Dielectric and metallic cylinders, bare or overcoated by dielectric and metallic layers can be studied. Due to the hybrid nature of the method, particular cases can be studied, when only a part of the cylinder is covered by a layer. Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate the range of validity of the method.