Double-inverse-opal photonic crystals: The route to photonic bandgap switching

Abstract

Photoaic crystals with a complete bandgap caa stop the preparation of light of a certain frequency in aU directions. We introduce double-si verse-opal photonie crystals (WOPCs).as a new Mud of optical switch. In the DIOPC, a movable, weakly scattering sphere is embedded within each pore of the inverse-opal photonic crystal lattice. Switching between a diffusive reflector and a photonic crystal environment is experimentally demonstrated. Theory shows that a complete bandgap can be realized that can be opened or closed by moving the spheres. This functionality opens up new possibilities for the control of light emission and propagation. The close link and interaction between the chemical synthesis and the computational design and analysis underlines the interdisciplinary focus of this report. © 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH &. Co. KGaA.