Behind the buzz and beyond the hype: Our Nanowerk-exclusive
feature articles Posted: Mar 23rd, 2011 Novel 3D sculpturing of
photonic crystals promises functionality at visible wavelengths
(Nanowerk Spotlight) Photonic crystals – also known as photonic
band gap material – are similar to semiconductors, only that the
electrons are replaced by photons (i.e. light). By creating
periodic structures out of materials with contrast in their
dielectric constants, it becomes possible to guide the flow of
light through the photonic crystals in a way similar to how
electrons are directed through doped regions of semiconductors.
The photonic band gap (that forbids propagation of a certain
frequency range of light) gives rise to distinct optical
phenomena and enables one to control light with amazing facility
and produce effects that are impossible with conventional
optics. Photonic crystals are used to guide and localize light
for all-optical processing of signals/information; to engineer
dispersion and slow light; to har