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Updated: May 1, 2026

Fabrication of 1-D Photonic Crystal Cavity on a Nanofiber Using Femtosecond Laser-induced Ablation
Published on: February 25, 2017
Polymer-loaded propagating modes on a one-dimensional photonic crystal
Lu Han1, Douguo Zhang1, Yikai Chen1
1Department of Optics and Optical Engineering, Institute of Photonics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China.
A polymer film on a photonic crystal supports two transverse electric (TE) polarized modes, a Bloch surface wave and a guided mode, regardless of film thickness. This finding advances optical device design.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- One-dimensional photonic crystals (1DPCs) are periodic structures with unique optical properties.
- Guiding light within thin films is crucial for optical devices but often limited by layer thickness.
- Transverse electric (TE) polarized modes are essential for various photonic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate that a polymer film-coated 1DPC can support TE polarized modes without thickness limitations.
- To investigate the existence and behavior of two distinct propagating modes within the polymer film.
- To analyze the evolution of these modes as a function of polymer film thickness.
Main Methods:
- Numerical simulations of light propagation in a polymer film-coated 1DPC.
- Experimental validation using back focal plane imaging.
- Systematic variation of polymer film thickness to study mode evolution.
Main Results:
- The polymer film-coated 1DPC sustains two propagating TE polarized modes.
- These modes are identified as a TE polarized Bloch surface wave and a TE polarized guided mode.
- Both modes exist independently of the polymer film's thickness.
Conclusions:
- Polymer film-coated 1DPCs offer a versatile platform for supporting TE polarized modes.
- The demonstrated modes are robust against variations in film thickness, overcoming previous limitations.
- This work provides a foundation for designing novel optical components and sensors.
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