Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method for fabricating a three-dimensional photonic crystal. In the method for fabricating the three-dimensional photonic crystal, a plurality of layers can be defined as one unit, and the total thickness of the one unit can be controlled such that an average layer-thickness of the plurality of layers in the one unit is about equal to the ideal layer-thickness so that a photonic band-gap occurs in a desired wavelength region.

Abstract: A three-dimensional photonic crystal includes a first region including a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, a fourth layer and a second region including the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, and additional layers including discrete structures spaced from each other. The horizontal interval and the vertical interval of the rod-shaped structures in the first region are the same as those of the rod-shaped structures in the second region, respectively.

Abstract: Provided is a resonator using a three-dimensional photonic crystal. In the resonator, a range of choice of a resonance wavelength is wide and a desirable electric field distribution is obtained. The resonator according to the present invention includes a plurality of point defects provided in the three-dimensional photonic crystal. At least one of the plurality of point defects does not include a eigenmode in a photonic band gap of the three-dimensional photonic crystal.

Abstract: A three-dimensional photonic crystal includes a first region including a first layer, a second layer, a third layer, a fourth layer and a second region including the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, and additional layers including discrete structures spaced from each other. The horizontal interval and the vertical interval of the rod-shaped structures in the first region are the same as those of the rod-shaped structures in the second region, respectively.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional photonic crystal including a plurality of stacked layers having periodic structures where the thickness of the periodic structures in a layer are adjusted such that the layer satisfies the following equation: neff1×H1×M=neff×H wherein H1 represents the actual thickness of the layer, neff1 represents the actual refractive index of the periodic refractive index structure, H represents the design thickness of the layer, neff represents the design effective refractive index of the periodic refractive index structure, and M represents a coefficient inclusive and between 0.5 and 2.0.

Abstract: A three-dimensional photonic crystal operating at a plurality of design wavelengths, in which the photonic band gap can be adjusted to a desired wavelength band without changing the lattice period, and an optical element that can contain a defect resonator or a defect waveguide in the three-dimensional photonic crystal are provided.