Propagation and scattering of light in opal heterojunctions

The directionality of the polarised light transmission has been studied in heterogeneous photonic crystals based on double-film opal in comparison to homogeneous crystals on single-film opals. In spite of additional scattering at the photonic bandgap interface, ballistic propagation has been preserved. Changes of the polarisation anisotropy in hetero-opal compared to homogeneous opal have been assigned to specific mode matching conditions at the photonic bandgap interface.