Analysis of photonic band gap structure for the design of photonic devices

A detailed analysis, based on Kronig–Penney model and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, is used to explain the air-filling factor effect on the optical properties of defect-free photonic crystals. By the use of the Kronig–Penney model, we calculated the photonic band structure for electromagnetic waves in a structure consisting of a periodic square array of dielectric rods of lattice constant a separated by air holes. Gaps in the resulting band structures are found for waves of both polarisations. We analysed the air-filling factor effect on both polarisations in low and high frequency regions. It is shown that the frequency of the lower TE (transverse-electric) band edge is independent of the air-filling factor in the low frequency region. The opposite behaviour holds for the upper band edge, growing rapidly with the air-filling factor. Using the FDTD we simulated the electric field as the pulse propagates through the structure. The results of both approaches are compared, and the operation characteristics of the measuring air-filling factor device are described. We investigate the optical properties of a single and two defects incorporated in the PC, which can be potentially applied to ultra small surface-emitting-type channel drop filter. It is shown that the frequency and polarisation of the dropped light can be controlled by changing the size and/or shape of the defect. The electric field distribution calculations show that the electric field for a given frequency is located only at the defect, which means that each defect can detect only its corresponding wavelength. To cite this article: F. Ouerghi et al., C. R. Physique 5 (2004).