ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes the results of experimental and theoretical work performed by the authors in the area of design, fabrication, and optical characterization of composite one-dimensional (1D) photonic crystals based on silicon over the last decade. These structures include silicon-liquid crystal composites, two-and three-component 1D photonic structures and disordered photonic structures. For the design of these structures, we use the Gap map presentation of the photonic bandgaps (or stop-bands) estimated from their reϐlection spectra. The reϐlection spectra are calculated for diff erent ϐilling fractions of silicon over a wide range of infrared spectra using the transfer matrix method. The results of our simulations are compared with experimental data registered by Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy. Experimental data on the behavior of nematic liquid crystals in electro-optical cells,
where the electro-conducting windows act as the elements of the interference system and signiϐicantly inϐluence the optical spectra of the system, have been demonstrated. The approach suggested can also be applied to the design of any micro-and nanostructured semiconductor or dielectric materials, for application across wide region of electromagnetic spectrum.
