Diamond photonic crystals for the IR spectral range

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Two-dimensional (2D) photonic crystals are crucial for controlling light propagation.
• Monocrystalline diamond offers unique optical properties for photonic applications.
• Infrared (IR) spectral range applications require specialized photonic structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate 2D photonic crystals within monocrystalline diamond for IR operation.
• To investigate the optical properties and polarization dependence of these novel structures.
• To characterize the laser-modified diamond material for simulation purposes.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of 2D photonic crystals using ultrashort pulse laser writing.
• Arrangement of graphitized wires in a square matrix with a 4 μm period.
• Measurement of transmittance spectra from 1 to 14 μm.
• Evaluation of the complex refractive index of laser-modified diamond.

Main Results:

• Successful formation of 150-μm-long graphitized wire photonic structures in diamond.
• Observation of distinct transmission minima for TM and TE polarization modes.
• Demonstration of polarization-dependent optical behavior in the IR range.
• First-time evaluation of the complex refractive index of laser-modified diamond.

Conclusions:

• 2D photonic crystals in diamond can be fabricated using laser writing for IR applications.
• The structures exhibit polarization-sensitive optical responses.
• The characterized material properties are essential for accurate optical simulations and device design.