Direct calculation of thermal emission for three-dimensionally periodic photonic crystal slabs.

We perform direct thermal emission calculations for three-dimensionally periodic photonic crystal slabs using stochastic electrodynamics following the Langevin approach, implemented via a finite-difference time-domain algorithm. We demonstrate that emissivity and absorptivity are equal, by showing that such photonic crystal systems emit as much radiation as they absorb, for every frequency, up to statistical fluctuations. We also study the effect of surface termination on absorption and emission spectra from these systems.

Thermal emission and design in one-dimensional periodic metallic photonic crystal slabs.

We present a useful framework within which we can understand some of the physical phenomena that drive thermal emission in one-dimensional periodic metallic photonic crystals, emphasizing phenomenology and physical intuition. We perform detailed numerical calculations for these systems and find that polarization and periodicity play key roles in determining the types of physical phenomena that can arise. Two promising structures are identified as good candidates for thermal design. We conclude with a discussion of how the emissive properties of these systems can be tailored to our needs.

Thermal emission and design in 2D-periodic metallic photonic crystal slabs.

We present a useful framework within which we can understand some of the physical phenomena that drive thermal emission in 2D-periodic metallic photonic crystal slabs, emphasizing phenomenology and physical intuition. Through detailed numerical calculations for these systems, we find that periodicity plays a key role in determining the types of physical phenomena that can be excited. We identify two structures as good candidates for thermal design, and conclude with a discussion of how the emissive properties of these systems can be tailored to our needs.

Point defect geometries in inverted opal photonic crystals.

We study point defect geometries in inverted opal photonic crystals that can be easily fabricated by means of colloidal self-assembly. Two broad classes of defects are considered: substitutional and interstitial. Substitutional point defects are found to introduce a usable defect band into the photonic band gap. This can be done by using a silica sphere of radius between 0.33a and 0.35a (where a is the lattice constant). The state is triply degenerate. Reflectance and local density of states calculations are performed to verify the existence and frequency of this defect. The point defect can be made by precoating shrunk silica spheres with a thin layer of silicon. Such a defect can be used as a microcavity for localizing light at a point, with a quality factor Q that is limited primarily by the proximity of the defect to the surface of the photonic crystal and other such defects.