Optical waveguide superprism in 2-D low index contrast photonic crystal

For the last few years, a variety of application structures for photonic crystals have been studied, such as light guiding, photon localization, spontaneous emission control, and superprisms (Fink et al, 1998; John, 1987; Soukoulis et al, 1996; Chow et al, 2000; Kosaka et al, 1999). However, several challenges exist in the way of advancing this novel material to real applications, including the fabrication of lattice structures with dimensions less than the optical wavelength, requiring high index contrast, and realization of a planarized structure to build integrated optical circuits. In this research, we have investigated a different application concept: using low index contrast 2D photonic crystals