Exploration of photonic band structure in ordered dielectric arrays using picosecond transient spectroscopy

Abstract

The coherent scattering of radiation in a period dielectric structure leads to an electromagnetic dispersion relation that exhibits photonic band gaps, i.e., frequency intervals in which there are no allowed photonic states.1,2 There is considerable interest in the modification of the electromagnetic dispersion relation and the opening of photonic band gaps in such structures for fundamental as well as practical reasons. Although theoretical calculations of photonic band structure have become somewhat sophisticated, it has not been possible to experimentally measure the photon dispersion relation. Traditional microwave techniques have measured the frequencies that define photonic band gaps.3 © 1992 Optical Society of America