Photonic stop bands in quasi-random nanoporous anodic alumina structures

TL;DR

This study demonstrates the presence of photonic stop bands in quasi-random nanoporous anodic alumina structures through rigorous simulations, highlighting their potential for various photonic applications.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed analysis of photonic stop bands in self-assembled quasi-random anodic alumina using finite-difference time-domain methods.

Findings

Photonic stop bands are observed in quasi-random anodic alumina.

Stop bands are similar to those in photonic quasicrystals.

Potential for applications in LEDs, biosensors, and random lasing.

Abstract

The existence of photonic stop bands in the self-assembled arrangement of pores in porous anodic alumina structures is investigated by means of rigorous 2D finite- difference time-domain calculations. Self-assembled porous anodic alumina shows a random distribution of domains, each of them with a very definite triangular pattern, constituting a quasi-random structure. The observed stop bands are similar to those of photonic quasicrystals or random structures. As the pores of nanoporous anodic alumina can be infiltrated with noble metals, nonlinear or active media, it makes this material very attractive and cost-effective for applications including inhibition of spontaneous emission, random lasing, LEDs and biosensors.