Based on the transfer-matrix method, we theoretically explore the transmission and reflection properties of light waves in a one-dimensional defective photonic crystal composed of superconductor (HgBa2Ca2Cu3O8+δ) and semiconductor (GaAs) layers. The whole system is centrosymmetric and can generate a defect transmission peak in the photonic band gap. We study the effect of the temperature on the defect mode. Results obtained show that the defect mode shifts to the lower frequency regions as the value of the environmental temperature increases, and the resonance of the defect mode can be strengthened further as the number of periods increases. In addition, our findings reveal that the central wavelength of the defect mode increases with the increase in the environmental temperature and it presents a nearly linear relationship between the central wavelength of the defect mode and the temperature in cryogenic environments. Therefore, we can use the temperature response of the defect mode to detect the temperature. It is hoped that this study has potential applications for the development of cryogenic sensors with high sensitivity.

We theoretically investigate the defect mode transmittance of light waves in superconductor–semiconductor photonic crystals and its pressure-sensing dependence. The photonic crystal is composed of alternating superconducting and semiconducting slabs and a defect locates at the center of this structure. Two trapezoid waveguides are fixed at both sides of the crystal, which induces the hydrostatic pressure applied and beams transmitted simultaneously. The resonant wavelength variation in the defect mode is directly proportional to the pressure applied on the system in the near-IR region, which can be utilized for linear pressure sensors in the cryogenic environment. Pressure sensitivity reaches a high value of 2.6 nm/GPa, which is higher than that in the study based on the reflection spectra. The sensitivity coefficient may be modulated by the environment temperature as well. This study has potential regarding pressure-light-wave sensors.

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