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Photonic Crystals Based on Opal Structures

Objective

3-dimensional photonic crystals realised using a template method will be designed fabricated and characterised for their photonic band structure in the search for a full photonic band gap material. Artificial opal structures and their inverted counterparts will be in filled with semi conducting and polymer materials by a variety of techniques depending on the material used. The design of these structures is supported by a strong theoretical basis. Some applications require a full photonic band gap and others do not. Four device classes are to be investigated. These are: an optically readable elastometer, optical guiding devices, light emitting devices and theoretical model for optical disperse devices.
3-dimensional photonic crystals realised using a template method will be designed fabricated and characterised for their photonic band structure in the search for a full photonic band gap material. Artificial opal structures and their inverted counterparts will be in filled with semi conducting and polymer materials by a variety of techniques depending on the material used. The design of these structures is supported by a strong theoretical basis. Some applications require a full photonic band gap and others do not. Four device classes are to be investigated. These are: an optically readable elastometer, optical guiding devices, light emitting devices and theoretical model for optical disperse devices.

OBJECTIVES
1. To control structural properties of opal matrices prepared from colloidal suspension using sedimentation and annealing as templates for photonic crystals;
2. To control mechanisms of opal modification with respect to the photonic band gap effect by loading with semiconductors and/or polymers loaded with dye molecules and rare earth ions using both wet/vapour chemical in-void synthesis and mechanical infilling of voids;
3. To fabricate the corresponding inverted opals by removing the SiO2 sphere chemically without compromising the structural, electrical and optical quality of the in-filled material;
4. To obtain a polymer-opal containing light emitting additives with enhanced refractive index contrast for photoluminescence studies;
5. To obtain a 3D photonic crystal with an omni-directional PBG based on an inverted opal made out of semiconductor with a refractive index contrast higher than 2.9 such as Ge and GaP;
6. To understand and use light emission (photo- and electro-luminescence) in a GPBG opal-based crystal;
7. To explore and design opal-based quasi-planar wave guides.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK
The project aims at developing photonic crystals, which have the potential to revolutionise light moulding and light emitting devices, by addressing mainly material aspects. Tuning of periodicity and refractive index contrast in nanocomposites is the purpose of this project. Three technical work packages dealing with the design, synthesis, characterisation, modelling and device applications of opal-based photonic crystals are established. We follow parallel approaches to infilling because it is not clear that full photonic band gap can be achieved with one infill material alone. An added benefit is the exploration of photonic crystals in the near infrared and visible regions of the spectrum. The materials are semiconductors and polymers and the infilling method depends on the material. An impact of additional load of laser dyes or rare earth ions in polymers will also be investigated.
Strategies to increase the refractive index contrast in these structures will be followed. A significant challenge is to explore the prospects of a light-emitting device. Structural, optical and electrical characterisation techniques are integral parts of this project. The modelling work underpinning the whole experimental programme is geared to predict the necessary condition for the practical realisation of devices. Sample handling techniques and deposition of electrical contacts will be addressed. The impact of the expected results is first upon the scientific domain. New knowledge is expected to influence design concepts of high-efficiency light emitting and light guiding devices. New infill technologies will boost progress in other areas of application of host-guest nanocomposites.
Developing novel and more efficient computational procedures, which can be used in other areas of wave mechanics, will lead to the understanding of the electromagnetic wave transport in regimes of strong light localisation and defect-related disturbances. The expected reduction of power consumin g opal-based optoelectronic devices would certainly have a positive environmental impact. The industrial relevance of this project lies in the issue of commercially applicable protocols for nanocomposite synthesis. The beneficiary is likely to be the engineering community working in information technology.

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Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

BERGISCHE UNIVERSITAET WUPPERTAL
EU contribution
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Address
GAUSS-STRASSE 20
42097 WUPPERTAL
Germany

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Last update: 13 June 2005

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Permalink: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/IST-1999-19009

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