Optical switches and logic gates based on self-collimated beams in two-dimensional photonic crystals

A device for optical switches and logic gates is proposed in two-dimensional photonic crystals based on self-collimated beams. The main structure of the device is a line-defect-induced 3 dB splitter. Operating principle, as revealed by both theoretical calculation and finite-difference time-domain simulation, is based on the interference of reflected and transmitted self-collimated beams. This device is potentially applicable for photonic integrated circuits. (C) 2007 Optical Society of America.