Self-assembled photonic crystals with tunable optical properties

Abstract

We have studied the tunable photonic stop gaps in three-dimensionally ordered photonic crystals in the visible and nearinfrared wavelength ranges. Structural analysis shows the (111) plane of the crystal with fewer imperfections. Angleresolved photonic stop gaps indicate the coupling between the Bragg waves diffracted by different crystal planes. The measured Bragg wave coupling is in good agreement with theoretical calculations. The new diffraction peak arises at the Bragg wave coupling is identified as from the (-111) plane of the fcc Brillouin zone. The modification of spontaneous emission of embedded quantum emitters inside the photonic crystals is studied using laser-induced emission measurements. We have achieved a suppression of 51% in the emission intensity at the stop gap wavelength. At higher excitation energy, strong band-edge induced mirrorless lasing is demonstrated. Our results have applications in wide variety of wave propagation in materials, solid state lighting, and nano-lasers.