Periodic transmission peaks in non-periodic disordered one-dimensional photonic structures

TL;DR

This study investigates how disordered one-dimensional photonic structures with uniform optical thickness exhibit regular transmission peaks, which could enable new optical devices like filters and lasers.

Contribution

It reveals that non-periodic disordered structures with equal optical thickness produce regular transmission peaks, a novel insight for designing optical components.

Findings

Transmission peaks reach up to 75%

Spectral positions of peaks are very regular

Potential applications in filters and lasers

Abstract

A better understanding of the optical properties of a device structure characterized by a random arrangement of materials with different dielectric properties at a length scale comparable to the wavelength of light is crucial for the realization of new optical and optoelectronic devices. Here we have studied the light transmission of disordered photonic structures made with two and three different materials, characterized by the same optical thickness. In their transmission spectra a formation of peaks, with a transmission of up to 75%, is evident. The spectral position of such peaks is very regular, which is a result of the constraint that all layers have the same optical thickness. This gives rise to a manifold of applications such as new types of bandpass filters and resonators for distributed feedback lasers.