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Chaotic ray dynamics in slowly varying two-dimensional photonic crystals
Paul Wilkinson1, Mark Fromhold
1School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK. paul.wilkinson@nottingham.ac.uk
Optics Letters
|July 3, 2003
Summary
We reveal chaotic ray dynamics in photonic crystals, even in stable motion regimes. Stable paths act as barriers, confining chaos to specific crystal areas.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Photonic crystals exhibit complex wave phenomena.
- Understanding ray dynamics is crucial for device design.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate chaotic ray dynamics in photonic crystals with spatially varying lattice parameters.
- Explore the interplay between stable and chaotic ray paths.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Hamiltonian optics to model ray trajectories.
- Analyzed dynamics in photonic crystals with slowly varying lattice parameters.
Main Results:
- Chaotic ray dynamics were observed even in previously identified stable motion regimes.
- Identified stable ray paths acting as dynamical barriers.
- Demonstrated localization of chaotic motion within specific photonic crystal regions.
Conclusions:
- Hamiltonian optics provides a framework for understanding complex ray dynamics in photonic crystals.
- Stable ray paths play a critical role in localizing chaotic behavior.
- Findings offer insights for designing photonic devices with controlled light propagation.