All-angle phase matching condition and backward second-harmonic localization in nonlinear photonic crystals.

We demonstrate an isotropic phase matching in properly designed nonlinear two-dimensional photonic crystals. In addition, by combining left- and right-handed properties at the fundamental and second-harmonic frequencies, we obtain a backward second-harmonic generation. These two properties lead to an unusual second-harmonic localization effect in perfect lattice photonic crystals.

Broadband single-mode waveguiding in two- and three-dimensional hybrid photonic crystals based on silicon inverse opals.

Hybrid 2D-3D heterostructures are a very promising way for waveguiding light in 3D photonic structures. Single-mode waveguiding of light has been demonstrated in heterostructures where a 2D photonic crystal consisting of a triangular lattice of silicon rods in air was intercalated between two silicon inverse opals. In this paper, we show that by using a graphite lattice of rods instead of a triangular one, it is possible to enlarge the maximal single-mode waveguiding bandwidth by more than 70 %, i.e. up to 129 nm centered on 1.55 mum. The sensibility to the 2D layer structure parameters is lower, offering enhanced experimental flexibility in the design of the structure.

Discontinuous wavelength super-refraction in photonic crystal superprism.

Experimental results on wavelength-dependent angular dispersion in InGaAsP triangular lattice planar photonic crystals are presented. An abrupt variation of the angular dispersion is observed for TM-polarized waves whose frequencies are comprised between those of the fourth and sixth allowed bands. According to the crystal period, the measured angle of refraction is found to either decrease or increase by 30 degrees within a wavelength range smaller than 30 nm. Experimental results are reproduced well from 2D finite difference time domain calculations. The observed phenomena are interpreted from the coupling of the incident light to different modes of the photonic crystal that travel with different group velocities and propagate in different directions within the crystal. Mode dispersion curves and mode patterns are calculated along with isofrequency curves to support this explanation. The observed discontinuous wavelength super-refraction opens a new approach to the application of superprisms.

Superlattice for photonic band gap opening in monolayers of dielectric spheres.

Dielectric spheres synthesized for the fabrication of self-organized photonic crystals such as opals offer large opportunities for the design of novel nanophotonic devices. In this paper, we show that a hexagonal superlattice monolayer of dielectric spheres exhibits an even photonic band gap below the light cone for refractive indices higher than 1.93. The use of spheres with refractive index 2.9 and diameter 0.33 mum tunes the photonic band gap to the telecommunications range (lambda=1.55 mum). As a practical example for the use of such a photonic band gap, we demonstrate the possibility of waveguiding light linearly through the monolayer.

Graded photonic crystals.

We present a concept of graded photonic crystals used to enhance the control of light propagation. Gradual modifications of the lattice periodicity make it possible to bend the light at the micrometer scale. This effect is tailored by parametric studies of the isofrequency curves. As a demonstration, we propose a two-dimensional graded photonic crystal that could provide frequency-selective tunable bending.