Fabrication and characterization of quasi two-dimensional photonic crystal structures with tunable optical properties

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Photonic crystals with variable optical properties are expected to allow the realization of a new class of tunable or switchable elements and could open a new field for large scale integrated optoelectronic components. In the frame of this project tunable quasi two-dimensional photonic crystals will be fabricated in AlGaAs/GaAs waveguides by filling photonic crystals with liquid crystals. The optical properties of liquid crystals can be modified by electric fields. Refractive index changes of up to 0.2 should be possible which is large enough to modify significantly the band structure of photonic crystals. The basic properties of this new class of photonic crystals will be characterized by determining the transmission and reflection properties. The results will be compared with simulations by taking into account the specific material properties of liquid crystals. First feasibility studies will be performed regarding variable waveguiding and light localization in switchable microresonators. These basic functions are building blocks for future devices like tunable filters and microlasers or switchable waveguides.