Tunable refraction in superlattice photonic crystals

J. Blair; C. J. Summers

doi:10.1117/12.861630

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10 September 2010 Tunable refraction in superlattice photonic crystals

J. Blair, C. J. Summers

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Proceedings Volume 7756, Active Photonic Materials III; 775617 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.861630
Event: SPIE NanoScience + Engineering, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

The refraction properties of photonic crystal lattices offers methods to control the beam steering of light through use of non-linear dispersion contours. In this paper new photonic crystal structures, such as the square and triangular superlattices, that provide novel refractive properties are analyzed. The property difference between rows in these structures is the hole radius Δr. The difference in hole sizes leads to observation of the superlattice effect, that is, a change in the refractive index Δn between opposite rows of holes. The index difference becomes a function of the size of the smaller r₂ hole area or volume due to the addition of the higher index background material compared to the larger r₁ holes. The difference in hole radii Δr = r₁ - r₂ is referred to as the static superlattice strength and is designated by the ratio of r₂/r₁. The superlattice strength increases as the ratio of r₂/r₁ decreases. The hole size modulation creates modified dispersion contours that can be used to fabricate advanced beam steering devices through the introduction of electro-optical materials and a controlled bias. A discussion of these superlattice structures and their optical properties will be covered, followed by both static and dynamic tunable device constructions utilizing these designs. Also, static tuning of the devices through the use of atomic layer deposition, as well as active tuning methods utilizing liquid crystal (LC) infiltration, sealed LC cells, and the addition of electro-optic material will be discussed.

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J. Blair and C. J. Summers "Tunable refraction in superlattice photonic crystals", Proc. SPIE 7756, Active Photonic Materials III, 775617 (10 September 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.861630

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