Abstract

In the quest for an all-optical communication network, issues like functionality, speed, bandwidth, connectivity and integrability are essential. Recently, highly integrated light waveguides and bends have been demonstrated using photonic band gap (PBG) effects [1,2]. These are based on light confinement to waveguides in periodic microstructured areas creating forbidden energies for propagation of photons in full analogy with energy gaps for electrons in semiconductors. This enabling photonic technology is expected to revolutionize the optical communication market in a few years time with optical chips consisting of fully integrated waveguides and optical circuitry with interferometers, splitters and bends. Moreover, the PBG waveguides are expected to enhance optical nonlinearities as an important step to implementing active and functional components such as wavelength converters and optical switches.

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