Abstract: An imaging system (20) includes an array (24) of photonic band gap material cells. The band gap material has an absorption edge at about the emission frequency of a source (22) of electromagnetic energy. Images from a field of view (26) directed onto the photonic band gap array (24) increase the temperature of the illuminated cells, shifting the absorption edge frequency for those cells. A focal plane array (28) detects the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the photonic band gap array (24) from the source (22). The intensity of the transmitted radiation is proportional to the shift in the photonic band gap edge.

Abstract: In an embodiment of methods and systems for optical focusing for laser guided seekers using negative index metamaterial, the methods and systems comprise a light focusing system comprising: a lens comprising a negative index metamaterial to focus at least one selected wavelength while defocusing other wavelengths, and a sensor upon which the lens focuses the selected wavelength.

Abstract: In an embodiment of methods and systems for optical focusing For laser guided seekers using negative index metamaterial, the methods and systems comprise a light focusing system comprising: a lens comprising a negative index metamaterial to focus at least one selected wavelength while defocusing other wavelengths, and a sensor upon which the lens focuses the selected wavelength.

Abstract: A communication system (20) includes a transmitter (22) with (i) a transmitter photonic crystal (30) having a waveguide (40) and multiple cavities (42, 44, and 46) spaced along the waveguide (40); (ii) a light source (32); and (iii) a controller (34) that controls the cavities (42, 44, and 46) to translate multiple electronic data bits to optical data bits simultaneously in respective cavities (42, 44, and 46) illuminated by the light source (32). A corresponding receiver (24) includes a receiver photonic crystal (92) having a data/key waveguide (104) for receiving a data/key signal and a latch waveguide (106) for receiving a latch signal. The photonic crystal (92) also includes data readout cavities (110, 112, 114, and 116) and lock cavities (160, 162, and 164) adapted to compare the key bits to respective lock bits.

Abstract: Methods and systems for extracting energy from a heat source using photonic crystals with defect cavities generally comprise a photonic crystal, a cavity, and a converter. The photonic crystal is responsive to a heat source and generates an electromagnetic beam in response to incidence with the heat source. The photonic crystal exhibits a band gap such that wavelengths within the band gap are substantially confined within the photonic crystal. The cavity is substantially within the crystal and is responsive to the electromagnetic beam such that the cavity transmits the electromagnetic beam to a specified location. The converter is substantially collocated with the specified location and extracts energy in response to incidence with the electromagnetic beam.

Abstract: A system and method for modulating the frequency of electromagnetic radiation utilizes a frozen shockwave in a photonic band gap structure. The structure provides a discontinuity in lattice constant that functions as a shockwave, and that does not shift its position within the structure. In addition the modulation device or structure includes an acoustic pulse generator, such as a piezoelectric transducer coupled to one end of the photonic band gap structure. The acoustic pulse generator may be driven to produce a periodic pulse in the photonic band gap structure. The frozen shockwave, a defect or discontinuity in the photonic band gap structure, is used to hold incoming electromagnetic radiation in place. The acoustic pulse passing through the photonic band gap structure Doppler shifts the frequency of the radiation. The frequency-shifted radiation is then ejected out of the frozen shockwave portion of the photonic band gap structure.

Abstract: A communication system (20) includes a transmitter (22) with (i) a transmitter photonic crystal (30) having a waveguide (40) and multiple cavities (42, 44, and 46) spaced along the waveguide (40); (ii) a light source (32); and (iii) a controller (34) that controls the cavities (42, 44, and 46) to translate multiple electronic data bits to optical data bits simultaneously in respective cavities (42, 44, and 46) illuminated by the light source (32). A corresponding receiver (24) includes a receiver photonic crystal (92) having a data/key waveguide (104) for receiving a data/key signal and a latch waveguide (106) for receiving a latch signal. The photonic crystal (92) also includes data readout cavities (110, 112, 114, and 116) and lock cavities (160, 162, and 164) adapted to compare the key bits to respective lock bits.

Abstract: Methods and systems for extracting energy from a heat source using photonic crystals with defect cavities generally comprise a photonic crystal, a cavity, and a converter. The photonic crystal is responsive to a heat source and generates an electromagnetic beam in response to incidence with the heat source. The photonic crystal exhibits a band gap such that wavelengths within the band gap are substantially confined within the photonic crystal. The cavity is substantially within the crystal and is responsive to the electromagnetic beam such that the cavity transmits the electromagnetic beam to a specified location. The converter is substantially collocated with the specified location and extracts energy in response to incidence with the electromagnetic beam.

Abstract: An imaging system (20) includes an array (24) of photonic band gap material cells. The band gap material has an absorption edge at about the emission frequency of a source (22) of electromagnetic energy. Images from a field of view (26) directed onto the photonic band gap array (24) increase the temperature of the illuminated cells, shifting the absorption edge frequency for those cells. A focal plane array (28) detects the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the photonic band gap array (24) from the source (22). The intensity of the transmitted radiation is proportional to the shift in the photonic band gap edge.

Abstract: A system and method for modulating the frequency of electromagnetic radiation utilizes a frozen shockwave in a photonic band gap structure. The structure provides a discontinuity in lattice constant that functions as a shockwave, and that does not shift its position within the structure. In addition the modulation device or structure includes an acoustic pulse generator, such as a piezoelectric transducer coupled to one end of the photonic band gap structure. The acoustic pulse generator may be driven to produce a periodic pulse in the photonic band gap structure. The frozen shockwave, a defect or discontinuity in the photonic band gap structure, is used to hold incoming electromagnetic radiation in place. The acoustic pulse passing through the photonic band gap structure Doppler shifts the frequency of the radiation. The frequency-shifted radiation is then ejected out of the frozen shockwave portion of the photonic band gap structure.