Light deflection by photonic crystals

TL;DR

This paper reports a novel phenomenon where optical waves are deflected in photonic crystals due to partial bandgaps, offering new ways to manipulate light flow in structured media.

Contribution

It introduces the phenomenon of light deflection caused by partial bandgaps in photonic crystals, expanding understanding of wave propagation in these materials.

Findings

Optical waves can be deflected by photonic crystal structures.

Partial bandgaps lead to wave deflection phenomena.

Potential applications in light manipulation technologies.

Abstract

When propagating through periodically structured media, i. e. photonic crystals, optical waves will be modulated with the periodicity. As a result, the dispersion of waves will no longer behave as in a free space, and so called frequency band structures appear. Under certain conditions, waves may be prohibited from propagation in certain or all directions, corresponding to partial and complete bandgaps respectively. Here we report a new fascinating phenomenon associated with the partial gaps, that is, deflection of optical waves. This phenomenon will render novel applications in manipulating light flows.