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Using Microwave and Macroscopic Samples of Dielectric Solids to Study the Photonic Properties of Disordered Photonic Bandgap Materials
Published on: September 26, 2014
Highly dispersive photonic band-gap prism
Optics Letters
|November 3, 2009
Summary
We developed a photonic band-gap (PBG) prism using 2D PBG structures for strong light dispersion. This compact prism, especially in the optical regime, can be used in miniature spectrometers.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Materials Science
- Optics
Background:
- Photonic band-gap (PBG) structures offer unique electromagnetic wave manipulation properties.
- Nonlinear dispersion in materials near Brillouin zone edges is a key physical phenomenon for optical devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and demonstrate a novel photonic band-gap (PBG) prism.
- To leverage the nonlinear dispersion of PBG materials for enhanced prism action.
- To explore the potential of PBG prisms as compact dispersive elements for spectroscopy.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of two-dimensional PBG structures.
- Characterization of the structures in the millimeter-wave spectral regime.
- Theoretical analysis of the nonlinear dispersion near Brillouin zone edges.
Main Results:
- Successful realization of a PBG prism in the millimeter-wave regime.
- Demonstration of strong prism action due to nonlinear dispersion.
- Estimation of a compact size (~20 mm) for optical regime operation (~700 nm wavelength).
Conclusions:
- The proposed PBG prism concept is feasible and effective.
- PBG prisms offer a novel approach for compact dispersive elements.
- This technology can enable the development of ultracompact miniature spectrometers.
