Electro-optic control of the superprism effect in photonic crystals

We have designed a two-dimensional photonic crystal in electro-optic materials that can actively control the superprism effect. By applying an electric field to the photonic crystal, the electro-optic effect will change the dielectric constant of the material, which modifies both the band structure and the dispersion surfaces. In the proposed structures, we show that electric fields of up to 6 V/mum m in (Pb0.09La0.91)(Zr0.65Ti0.35) O-3-based photonic crystals can deflect light up to 49degrees. This device concept can be used for a class of optical modulation devices that can provide a local control of dispersion surfaces within a photonic crystal. (C) 2003 American Institute of Physics.