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Double‐Inverse‐Opal Photonic Crystals: The Route to Photonic Bandgap Switching
Author(s) -
Ruhl T.,
Spahn P.,
Hermann C.,
Jamois C.,
Hess O.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.200600068
Subject(s) - photonic crystal , materials science , photonics , yablonovite , inverse , band gap , photonic bandgap , optoelectronics , optics , spheres , structural coloration , photonic metamaterial , photonic integrated circuit , scattering , physics , geometry , mathematics , astronomy
Photonic crystals with a complete bandgap can stop the propagation of light of a certain frequency in all directions. We introduce double‐inverse‐opal photonic crystals (DIOPCs) as a new kind of optical switch. In the DIOPC, a movable, weakly scattering sphere is embedded within each pore of the inverse‐opal photonic crystal lattice. Switching between a diffusive reflector and a photonic crystal environment is experimentally demonstrated. Theory shows that a complete bandgap can be realized that can be opened or closed by moving the spheres. This functionality opens up new possibilities for the control of light emission and propagation. The close link and interaction between the chemical synthesis and the computational design and analysis underlines the interdisciplinary focus of this report.