ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the current view of basic concepts of energy bands including conduction and valence bands followed by a discussion on the analogy between semiconductor and photonic band gap (PBG) materials. The wave propagation principles governing the band gap structures are reviewed. Fabrication of various PBG structures is described with emphasis on inorganic and organic PBG, continuing to polymeric photonic crystals. Some potential applications and device development of PBG materials have been introduced. Finally, future perspective of this emerging field is presented.
