A Three-Dimensional Optical Photonic Crystal
The search for a photonic crystal to confine optical waves in all three dimensions (3D) has proven to be a formidable task. It evolves from an early theoretical suggestion [1,2], a brief skepticism [3-5] and triumph in developing the mm-wave [6-8] and infrared 3D photonic crystals [9]. Yet, the challenge remains, as the ultimate goal for optoelectronic applications is to realize a 3D crystal at X=1.5 pm communication wavelengths. Operating at visible and near infrared wavelengths, X=1-2 pm, a photonic crystal may enhance the spontaneous emission rate [1, 10] and give rise to a semiconductor lasers with a zero lasing threshold[11, 12]. Another important application is optically switching, routing and interconnecting light [13,14] with an ultrafast transmission speed of terabits per second. A photonic crystal may also serve as a platform for integrating an all-optical circuitry with multiple photonic components, such as waveguides and switches, built on one chip [15]. In this Letter, we report on the successful fabrication of a working 3D crystal operating at optical L The minimum feature size of the 3D structure is 180 nanometers. The 3D crystal is free from defects over the entire 6-inch silicon wafer and has an absolute photonic band gap centered at A.-1.6 pm. Our data provides the first conclusive evidence for the existence of a full 3D photonic band gap in optical A. This development will pave the way to tinier, cheaper, more effective waveguides, optical switches and lasers.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Albuquerque, NM, and Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-94AL85000
- OSTI ID:
- 2444
- Report Number(s):
- SAND98-2804J; ON: DE00002444
- Journal Information:
- Nature, Journal Name: Nature
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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