Long-range Bloch surface waves in photonic crystal ridges

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Optical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Guided Bloch surface waves (BSWs) are crucial for integrated optics.
• Controlling light propagation in BSWs is essential for device performance.
• Photonic crystal structures offer unique optical properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To theoretically investigate light propagation in guided BSWs.
• To identify design strategies for minimizing propagation losses.
• To explore the potential of BSWs for integrated optical platforms.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical study of light propagation.
• Utilizing photonic crystal ridges to support BSWs.
• Employing a design strategy based on Fourier analysis.
• Analyzing multilayer structures for photonic band gaps.

Main Results:

• Achieved low propagation losses of 5 dB/km.
• Demonstrated that proper multilayer design minimizes losses for both light polarizations.
• Identified intrinsic losses as a limiting factor.

Conclusions:

• Low propagation losses in guided BSWs are achievable through optimized photonic crystal design.
• Fourier analysis provides an effective design strategy.
• These findings are a fundamental step towards BSW-based integrated optical devices.