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Boris Gralak

Publications and source records attributed to Boris Gralak.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Focussing light in a bi-anisotropic slab with negatively refracting materials

We investigate the electromagnetic response of a pair of complementary bi-anisotropic media, which consist of a medium with positive refractive index ($+\ep$, $+μ$, $+ξ$) and a medium with negative refractive index($-\ep$, $-μ$, $-ξ$). We show that this idealized system has peculiar imaging properties in that it reproduces images of a source, in principle, with unlimited resolution. We then consider an infinite array of line sources regularly spaced in a one-dimensional photonic crystal (PC) consisting of 2n-layers of bi-anisotropic complementary media. Using coordinate transformation, we map this system into 2D corner chiral lenses of 2n heterogeneous anisotropic complementary media sharing a vertex, within which light circles around closed trajectories. Alternatively, one can consider corner lenses with homogeneous isotropic media and map them onto one dimensional PCs with heterogeneous bi-anisotropic layers. Interestingly, such complementary media are described by scalar, or matrix valued, sign-shifting parameters, which satisfy a generalized lens theorem, which can be derived using Fourier series solutions of the Maxwell's equations (in the former case), or from space-time symmetry arguments (in the latter case). Also of interest are 2D periodic checkerboards alternating rectangular cells of complementary media which are such that one point source in one cell gives rise to an infinite set of images with an image in every other cell. Such checkerboards can be mapped into a class of three-dimensional corner lenses of complementary bi-anisotropic media.

physics.optics↗

Semi-analytical design of antireflection gratings for photonic crystals

This article concerns the design of antireflection structures which, placed on a photonic crystal surface, significantly diminish the fraction of energy lost to reflected waves. After a review of the classes of these structures proposed to date, a new method is presented in detail for the design of antireflection gratings operating in a wide range of angles of incidence. The proposed algorithm is illustrated by means of several examples, showing the advantages and limitations.

physics.optics↗

Ultracompact optical circulator based on a uniformly magnetic magnetophotonic annular Bragg cavity

We propose a new class of compact integrated optical circulators providing a large isolation level while maintaining a straightforward technological feasibility. Their layout is based on a nonreciprocal radial Bragg cavity composed of concentric magneto-optical rings. The circulator ports are standard rib waveguides, butt-coupled to the cavity by cutting through its outer rings. The device is specifically designed for operation in a uniform external magnetic field. Using a coupled-mode description of the complete cavity/waveguide-port system, we explore the rich behaviour of cavity circulators in presence of varying levels of direct port-to-port coupling. We demonstrate numerically a strongly miniaturized two-dimensional cavity circulator, with a total footprint of less than $(10λ)^2$, achieving a 20-dB isolation level at telecom frequencies over a bandwidth of 130 GHz. The device is found to be very tolerant with respect to fabrication imperfections. We finish with an outlook on three-dimensional versions of the proposed nonreciprocal cavities.

physics.optics↗

Unidirectional band gaps in uniformly magnetized two-dimensional magnetophotonic crystals

By exploiting the concepts of magnetic group theory we show how unidirectional behavior can be obtained in two-dimensional magneto-photonic crystals (MOPhC) with uniform magnetization. This group theory approach generalizes all previous investigations of one-way MOPhCs including those based on the use of antiparallel magnetic domains in the elementary crystal cell. Here, the theoretical approach is illustrated for one MOPhC example where unidirectional behavior is obtained by appropriately lowering the geometrical symmetry of the elementary motifs. One-way transmission is numerically demonstrated for a photonic crystal slice.

physics.optics↗

Quasi-TEM modes in rectangular waveguides: a study based on the properties of PMC and hard surfaces

Hard surfaces or magnetic surfaces can be used to propagate quasi-TEM modes inside closed waveguides. The interesting feature of these modes is an almost uniform field distribution inside the waveguide. But the mechanisms governing how these surfaces act, how they can be characterized, and further how the modes propagate are not detailed in the literature. In this paper, we try to answer these questions. We give some basic rules that govern the propagation of the quasi-TEM modes, and show that many of their characteristics (i.e. their dispersion curves) can be deduced from the simple analysis of the reflection properties of the involved surfaces.

physics.class-ph↗

All-optical octave-broad ultrafast switching of Si woodpile photonic band gap crystals

We present ultrafast all-optical switching measurements of Si woodpile photonic band gap crystals. The crystals are spatially homogeneously excited, and probed by measuring reflectivity over an octave in frequency (including the telecom range) as a function of time. After 300 fs, the complete stop band has shifted to higher frequencies as a result of optically excited free carriers. The switched state relaxes quickly with a time constant of 18 ps. We present a quantitative analysis of switched spectra with theory for finite photonic crystals. The induced changes in refractive index are well described by a Drude model with a carrier relaxation time of 10 fs. We briefly discuss possible applications of high-repetition rate switching of photonic crystal cavities.

physics.optics↗