Photonic Crystal for Beam Tuning Application

Agha

et al. 2021

Preprint

Self Cite

The self-collimation of light through Photonic Crystals (PCs) due to their optical properties and through a special geometric structure offers a new form of beam steering with highly optical control capabilities for a range of different applications. The objective of this work is to understand self-collimation and bending of light beams through Spatially Variant Photonic Crystals (SVPCs) made from dielectric materials such as silicon dioxide as well as common polymers used in three-dimensional printing like SU-8. These PCs can be used for optical communications, multiplexing, and beam-tuning devices for light detection and ranging applications. In this paper we show the optical properties and potential applications of two different SVPC designs that can control light through a 90-degree bend and optical logic gates. These two-dimensional SVPC designs were optimized for operation in the near-infrared range of approximately 800–1000 nm for the 90-degree bend and 700-100nm for the optical logic gate. These SVPCs were shown to provide high transmission through desired regions with low reflection and absorption of light to prove the potential benefits of these structures for future optical systems.

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This unique application in the near-IR range allows for new applications. Previously, this team had shown the ability of SVPCs composed of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) to control light through a 90-degree bend [2]. These ideas are now expanded to additional materials and applications.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bio-Inspired Spatially Variant Photonic Crystals for Beam-Steering Applications

Gnawali

Agha

et al. 2021

Preprint

Self Cite

Bio-inspired spatially variant photonic crystals for self-collimation and beam-steering applications in the near-infrared spectrum

Gnawali

Agha

et al. 2021

Sci Rep

Self Cite

The self-collimation of light through Photonic Crystals (PCs) due to their optical properties and through a special geometric structure offers a new form of beam steering with highly optical control capabilities for a range of different applications. The objective of this work is to understand self-collimation and bending of light beams through bio-inspired Spatially Variant Photonic Crystals (SVPCs) made from dielectric materials such as silicon dioxide and common polymers used in three-dimensional printing like SU-8. Based upon natural PCs found in animals such as butterflies and fish, the PCs developed in this work can be used to manipulate different wavelengths of light for optical communications, multiplexing, and beam-tuning devices for light detection and ranging applications. In this paper, we show the optical properties and potential applications of two different SVPC designs that can control light through a 90-degree bend and optical logic gates. These two-dimensional SVPC designs were optimized for operation in the near-infrared range of approximately 800–1000 nm for the 90-degree bend and 700–1000 nm for the optical logic gate. These SVPCs were shown to provide high transmission through desired regions with low reflection and absorption of light to prove the potential benefits of these structures for future optical systems.

Development of spatially variant photonic crystals to control light in the near-infrared spectrum

Rai²,

Agha³

et al. 2022

Sci Rep

Self Cite

Spatially Variant Photonic Crystals (SVPCs) have shown the ability to control the propagation and direction of light in the near-infrared spectrum. Using a novel approach for simplified modeling and fabrication techniques, we designed unique, spatially-varied, unit-cell structures to develop photonic crystals that maintain self-collimation and direction of light for desired beam tuning applications. The finite-difference time-domain technique is used to predict the self-collimation and beam-bending capabilities of our SVPCs. These SVPC designs and the simulation results are verified in laboratory testing. The experimental evidence shows that two-dimensional SVPCs can achieve self-collimation and direct light through sharp bends. The simplicity and quality of these designs show their potential for widespread implementation in modern devices. These SVPCs will serve as a unique solution to optical systems for optical computing, multiplexing, data transfer, and more.