Photonic crystals

Description
High-speed, inexpensive, and integrated components are needed for the next generation of optical communication systems and hybrid computer systems. We are working with a local company – Silicon Optics – to develop those components using photonic crystal technology.

Implications
Photonic crystals allow the manipulation of photons in much the same way as semiconductors can manipulate electrons. The structure comprising photonic crystals is on a scale less than the wavelength of light. We are developing active optical photonic crystal devices such as modulators, routers, and all-optical amplifiers and switches.

Research Group Contacts
Prof. Steve Blair, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

NEXT nano research application: Irregulary-shaped metal nanoparticles for photonics and sensing applications