Dynamic Modulation of Photonic Crystals by Surface Acoustic Waves

• Applicant: Dr. Paulo V. Santos
• Subject Area: Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
• Term: from 2001 to 2004
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5318474

The dynamic modulation of photonic crystals provides an effective mechanism for the active control of light propagation. This project aims at the investigation of the modulation of twodimensional photonic crystals using high-frequency surface acoustic waves (SAWs). Specifically, the acoustic and piezoelectric fields of the SAW will be applied to modulate both the structural dimensions and the optical properties of photonic crystals for the near-infrared wavelength range, and thus to control the energy and propagation direction of light beams. The studies, that also include the investigation of the propagation of elastic vibration in structured media, will be performed using spectroscopic techniques with high lateral resolution (smaller than 1 µm) and with time resolution below the SAW oscillation period (0.5 to 10 ns). In this way, we will be able to locally probe the dynamic aspects of the interaction between SAWs and the photonic band structure. The new concepts introduced here will open new perspectives for applications. The dynamic modulation of light flow in photonic materials by SAWs is expected to form the basis for novel active acoustooptical and electrooptical photonic devices.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1113: Photonic Crystals
• Participating Person: Privatdozent Dr. Matthias Wassermeier