Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 6, 2026

Using Microwave and Macroscopic Samples of Dielectric Solids to Study the Photonic Properties of Disordered Photonic Bandgap Materials
Published on: September 26, 2014
Chirped dual periodic structures for photonic Bloch oscillations and Zener tunneling
Abstract:
Experimental evidence of photon Wannier-stark ladders (WSLs) and Zener tunneling (ZT) in one dimensional dual-periodical (DP) optical superlattices based on Porous Silicon (PSi), is presented. An introduction of linear gradient in physical thickness of the layers, composed of five stacks of two different periodic substructures, resulted in the appearance of four WSLs resonances and resonant Zener tunneling of nearest resonances of two consecutive WSLs. Theoretical analysis of time-resolved reflection spectra as a function of gradient reveals the presence of photonic Bloch oscillations (BOs) and an eventual tunneling at a specific value of linear gradient (20%), has been demonstrated through scattering maps. Measured reflection from different DP photonic structures confirm the presence of minibands, WSLs and ZT in the near infrared region.
Related Concept Videos
Schottky Barrier Diode
Oscillations In An LC Circuit
Zener Diodes
Standing Waves in a Cavity
Clipper Circuit
The operation of a clipper circuit can be exemplified by analyzing a dual-clipper configuration setup that integrates two ideal diodes, each paired with a biasing...

