Photonic Band Structure

Abstract

The analogy between electromagnetic wave propagation in multi-dimensionally periodic structures and electron wave propagation in real crystals has proven to be a very fruitful one. Initial efforts were motivated by the prospect, of a photonic bandgap; a frequency band in 3-dimensional dielectric structures, in which electromagnetic waves are forbidden, irrespective of propagation direction in space. Today, many new ideas and applications are being pursued in 2 and 3 dimensions, and in metallic, dielectric, and acoustic structures, etc.In this paper, we review the early motivations for this work which were derived from the need for a photonic bandgap in quantum optics. This led to a series of experimental and theoretical searches for the elusive photonic bandgap structures; those 3-dimensionally periodic dielectric structures which are to photon waves, as semiconductor crystals are to electron waves. Then we describe how the photonic semiconductor can be “doped” producing tiny electromagnetic cavities. Finally, we will summarize some of the anticipated implications of photonic band structure for quantum electronics and for other areas of physics and electrical engineering.KeywordsPhotonic CrystalBrillouin ZoneSpontaneous EmissionPhotonic BandgapRydberg AtomThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.