Abstract: We introduce a mechanically tunable photonic crystal structure consisting of coupled photonic crystal slabs. Using both analytic theory, and first-principles finite-difference time-domain simulations, we demonstrate that the transmission and reflection coefficients for light normally incident upon such structures can be highly sensitive to nano-scale variations in the spacing between the slabs. Moreover, by specifically configuring the photonic crystal structures, the high sensitivity can be preserved in spite of significant fabrication-related disorders. We expect such a structure to play important roles in micro-mechanically tunable optical sensors and filters.

Abstract: We introduce a mechanically tunable photonic crystal structure consisting of coupled photonic crystal slabs. Using both analytic theory, and first-principles finite-difference time-domain simulations, we demonstrate that the transmission and reflection coefficients for light normally incident upon such structures can be highly sensitive to nano-scale variations in the spacing between the slabs. Moreover, by specifically configuring the photonic crystal structures, the high sensitivity can be preserved in spite of significant fabrication-related disorders. We expect such a structure to play important roles in micro-mechanically tunable optical sensors and filters.

Abstract: We introduce a mechanically tunable photonic crystal structure consisting of coupled photonic crystal slabs. Using both analytic theory, and first-principles finite-difference time-domain simulations, we demonstrate that the transmission and reflection coefficients for light normally incident upon such structures can be highly sensitive to nano-scale variations in the spacing between the slabs. Moreover, by specifically configuring the photonic crystal structures, the high sensitivity can be preserved in spite of significant fabrication-related disorders. We expect such a structure to play important roles in micro-mechanically tunable optical sensors and filters.

Abstract: We theoretically introduce a new type of optical all-pass filter based on guided resonance in coupled photonic crystal slabs. The filter exhibits near-complete transmission for both on- and off-resonant frequencies and yet generates large resonant group delay. We further show that such a filter can be mechanically switched into a flat-top band rejection filter. We also show that a single photonic crystal slab can also function either as optical all-pass transmission or flattop reflection filter for normally incident light. Both filter functions are synthesized by designing the spectral properties of guided resonance in the slab. The structure is extremely compact along the vertical direction.

Abstract: We introduce a new all-optical mechanism that can compress the bandwidth of light pulses to absolute zero, and bring them to a complete stop. The mechanism can be realized in a system consisting of a waveguide side-coupled to tunable resonators, which generates a photonic band structure that represents a classical analogue of the Electromagnetically Induced Transparency. The same system can also achieve a time-reversal operation. We demonstrate the operation of such a system by finite-difference time-domain simulations of an implementation in photonic crystals.

Abstract: We introduce a new all-optical mechanism that can compress the bandwidth of light pulses to absolute zero, and bring them to a complete stop. The mechanism can be realized in a system consisting of a waveguide side-coupled to tunable resonators, which generates a photonic band structure that represents a classical analogue of the Electromagnetically Induced Transparency. The same system can also achieve a time-reversal operation. We demonstrate the operation of such a system by finite-difference time-domain simulations of an implementation in photonic crystals.

Abstract: We theoretically introduce a new type of optical all-pass filter based on guided resonance in coupled photonic crystal slabs. The filter exhibits near-complete transmission for both on- and off-resonant frequencies and yet generates large resonant group delay. We further show that such a filter can be mechanically switched into a flat-top band rejection filter. We also show that a single photonic crystal slab can also function either as optical all-pass transmission or flattop reflection filter for normally incident light. Both filter functions are synthesized by designing the spectral properties of guided resonance in the slab. The structure is extremely compact along the vertical direction.

Abstract: We introduce a mechanically tunable photonic crystal structure consisting of coupled photonic crystal slabs. Using both analytic theory, and first-principles finite-difference time-domain simulations, we demonstrate that the transmission and reflection coefficients for light normally incident upon such structures can be highly sensitive to nano-scale variations in the spacing between the slabs. Moreover, by specifically configuring the photonic crystal structures, the high sensitivity can be preserved in spite of significant fabrication-related disorders. We expect such a structure to play important roles in micro-mechanically tunable optical sensors and filters.