Tunable defect mode in a three-dimensional photonic crystal -: art. no. 241108

Three-dimensionally periodic structures made of macroporous silicon with varying pore diameter show a photonic stop band in the middle infrared spectral range. A discontinuity of the periodic pore width modulation forms a planar optical resonator with a corresponding transmission peak in the stop band. Infiltration of the porous structure with a nematic liquid crystal and subsequent temperature changing cause a spectral shift of the defect mode. The experimental observations are in good agreement with theoretical calculations. (c) 2005 American Institute of Physics.