Nano-strip embedded photonic crystal and its applications

Abstract

Optical waveguiding using nano-strip embedded photonic crystal (NEPC) is proposed and analyzed with theoretical modeling and numerical analysis. The underlying physical origin of the wave propagation is elucidated to be a photonic version of orbital hybridization, i.e., multiple period s- and p-state cavity mode hybridization. Theoretical description of the phenomena is made by using ab initio tight binding approach in comparison with plane wave expansion method (PWE). This extends understanding of the wave propagation in the photonic crystal (PC) waveguide made by one-dimensional defect. As a practical application of the NEPC and its waveguiding characteristics, low group velocity and low dispersion propagation in the NEPC is explained in relation to other waveguides and PC slab waveguide structures. The NEPC case of low group velocity and low dispersion can provide very broad bandwidth for the wave guiding compared to the other waveguides. By exploiting the hybridization in the NEPC, a useful understanding and modeling for such unique wave propagation can be made, which is expected to be applicable for the development of a new design theory and optical structure for novel dispersion devices.