2. Two-dimensional photonic crystal devices for optics

2.1 Strip structures

In optics, two-dimensional periodic lattices are essentially dielectric. The use of metallic structures remains marginal, as the problem of losses remains a major obstacle for this wavelength range. At this stage, it is possible to consider either arrays of dielectric rods and/or pillars inserted into a matrix of another material or air, or arrays of air holes in a dielectric matrix. In fact, the properties in this case will depend on the index ratio between the inclusions and their matrix. Figure 1 illustrates these two cases...