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Cerenkov radiation in photonic crystals.
Chiyan Luo1, Mihai Ibanescu, Steven G Johnson
1Department of Physics and Center for Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 18, 2003
Summary
Cerenkov radiation in photonic crystals behaves differently than in conventional materials. It shows no velocity threshold, can emit backward, and offers new applications in particle detection and radiation generation.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Particle Physics
Background:
- Conventional Cerenkov radiation requires a velocity threshold and emits forward.
- Understanding particle-matter interactions is crucial for advanced detection and radiation technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the unique characteristics of Cerenkov radiation within photonic crystals.
- To explore the potential for threshold-less and backward-directed radiation emission.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical analysis of charged particle interactions in photonic crystal structures.
- Simulations of radiation patterns and spectral properties.
Main Results:
- Photonic crystal Cerenkov radiation is intrinsically coupled with transition radiation, eliminating the velocity threshold.
- Observed backward-pointing radiation cones and backward-propagating Cerenkov radiation in specific particle-velocity ranges.
Conclusions:
- Photonic crystals offer novel control over Cerenkov radiation properties.
- Potential applications include advanced velocity-sensitive particle detectors and tunable frequency radiation sources.