Self-collimation and beam splitting in low-index photonic crystals

We study self-collimation and beam splitting in low-refractive-index photonic crystals created within chalcogenide glass. We propose a beam splitter structure that allows direct experimental verification of photonic-crystal effects at optical wavelengths in a straightforward and definitive manner. The beam splitter provides angular separation of 90° using a highly compact spatial footprint, thus delivering direct application in highly integrated photonic devices.