Methods for Calculating the Optical Band Structure of Photonic Composites

Abstract

Lately, there has been an increasing interest in studying the propagation of electromagnetic waves in periodic dielectric structures (photonic crystals). Like the electron propagation in semiconductors, these structures are represented by band diagrams in which gaps can be found where the electromagnetic propagation is forbidden. Much effort is dedicated to find structures that can prohibit the propagation of light in all directions. This effect could lead to light localization.