Photonic Materials and Structures

Abstract

In contrast to conventional or even natural materials which derive their electromagnetic characteristics from the properties of the composing atoms and molecules, photonic crystals and related metamaterials allow for the design of meta-atoms or superatoms as well as artificial structures which allow for new optical and electromagnetic functionalities. These features are briefly presented in this chapter beginning with tunable photonic crystal structures to fabricate an array of inks activated by electric and magnetic fields as well as external stresses. The manipulation of permittivity in dielectric materials and permeability, especially in developing composite structures with negative index of refraction, is discussed in the context of fabrication permitted by 3D printing and related technologies.