Temperature dependence of photonic crystals based on thermoresponsive magnetic fluids

The influence mechanisms of temperature on the band gap properties of the magnetic fluids based photonic crystals are elaborated. A method has been developed to obtain the temperature-dependent structure information (Asol/A) from the existing experimental data and then two critical parameters, i.e. the structure ratio (d/a) and the refractive index contrast (Δn) of the magnetic fluids photonic crystals are deduced for band diagram calculations. The temperature-dependent band gaps are gained for z-even and z-odd modes. Band diagram calculations display that the mid frequencies and positions of the existing forbidden bands are not very sensitive to the temperature, while the number of the forbidden bands at certain strengths of magnetic field may change with the temperature variation. The results presented in this work give a guideline for designing the potential photonic devices based on the temperature characteristics of the magnetic fluids based photonic crystals and are helpful for improving their quality.

► Mechanisms of temperature dependence of magnetic fluids based photonic crystals are elaborated.
► Properties of existing forbidden bands have relatively fine temperature stability.
► Disappearance of existing forbidden band is found for some magnetic fields.
► Emergence of new forbidden band with temperature is found for some magnetic fields.