Tunable lightwave propagation in two-dimensional hole-type photonic crystals infiltrated with nematic liquid crystal

Photonic crystals have many potential applications because of their ability to control lightwave propagation. We have investigated the tunability of lightwave propagation in two-dimensional hole-type photonic crystal structures. The linear waveguides can be obtained by the infiltration of liquid crystals into air holes in hole-type photonic crystal with square lattices. The refractive indices of liquid crystals can be changed by rotating the directors of liquid crystals. Therefore, we can control the lightwave propagation in two-dimensional hole-type photonic crystal structures. Such a mechanism of lightwave adjustment should open up a new application for designing components in photonic integrated circuits.

We present the tunable lightwave propagation in two-dimensional hole-type photonic crystals infiltrated with nematic liquid crystal.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Tunability of lightwave propagation in two-dimensional hole-type photonic crystal structures.
► Line waveguides obtained by infiltration of liquid crystals into air holes in hole-type photonic crystal with square lattices.
► Refractive indices of liquid crystals changed by rotating directors of liquid crystals.
► Lightwave propagation controlled in two-dimensional hole-type photonic crystal structures.
► 2-D hole-type PC utilizing LCs as linear waveguides may be appropriate for fast switching devices.