Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Using Microwave and Macroscopic Samples of Dielectric Solids to Study the Photonic Properties of Disordered Photonic Bandgap Materials
Published on: September 26, 2014
Geometrically distributed one-dimensional photonic crystals for light-reflection in all angles.
1Institute of High Performance Computing, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #16-16 Connexis, Singapore. gandhi@ihpc-a.star.edu.sg
We developed a method using dielectric photonic crystals with geometrically progressing periods to block all light wavelengths. This technique offers a way to achieve broadband light blocking for various angles and polarizations.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Photonic crystals offer unique light manipulation properties.
- Controlling light across all spectral ranges and angles remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a method for achieving broadband light blocking using one-dimensional photonic crystals.
- To provide simple formulas for designing such photonic crystal structures.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing dielectric materials arranged in one-dimensional photonic crystals.
- Distributing crystal periods in a geometrical progression with a common ratio 'r'.
- Analyzing the dependence of the structural parameter 'rc' on incidence angle (theta) and polarization (P).
Main Results:
- A series of photonic crystals with r < rc can block light in any spectral range.
- Omni-directional reflection for all polarizations and incident angles up to thetao is achievable if r < rc (thetao,p).
- Simple formulas for rc, bandgap width, and minimum crystal count were derived.
Conclusions:
- The proposed photonic crystal design enables effective broadband light blocking.
- The derived formulas simplify the design and optimization of photonic crystals for specific light-blocking applications.
Related Concept Videos
Law of Rational Indices
Determination of Crystal Structures
The Seven Crystal Systems: Overview
X-ray Crystallography
Diffraction
Diffraction is the change in the direction of travel experienced by an electromagnetic wave when it encounters a physical barrier whose dimensions are comparable to those of the wavelength of the light. X-rays are electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths about as long as the distance between neighboring...
Reflective Property of Parabolas

