Photonic Band Engineering
Abstract
Scientists at UCLA, Caltech, and Polytechnic University have developed a new concept in Electromagnetics called "Photonic Bandgaps' that permits unprecedented control of Electromagnetic Waves, at both radio frequencies, and optical frequencies. This new paradigm of Electromagnetics is based on Nature's design for semiconductor crystals, but it is a crystal structure that is artificially engineered for electromagnetic waves rather than for electron waves. Beginning in 1996, new frontiers in the engineered control of electromagnetic waves have emerged from this design paradigm. For example, the very tiniest, most miniaturized electromagnetic cavity ever created was engineered, and demonstrated, under this MURI; trapping optical energy in the smallest volume ever achieved. This world's most tiny light trap was also made into the most miniaturized laser ever made, occupying a volume smaller than a cubic wavelength. At the same time this MURI advanced the electromagnetic bandgap concept into microwaves and radio waves that are so important for military systems. This required new concepts that permitted the bandgap structure to be much smaller than the electromagnetic wavelength. As in the optical version of photonic crystals, these electromagnetic bandgaps permit unprecedented control over radio frequency electromagnetic waves. For example new antenna structures have been invented that permit near field control over radio emissions from antennas, so that the hand-held radio transmitters can be more efficient.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA406802
Entities
People
- Eli Yabonovitch
Organizations
- University of California, Los Angeles