Reconfigurable multimode photonic-crystal waveguides

Abstract

We present the design and analysis of a novel reconfigurable photonic-crystal waveguide (PCW). The predefined waveguide is the result of the refractive-index variation of three rows of holes that can be obtained by the infiltration of liquids within what are otherwise air holes in a two-dimensional triangular-lattice photonic crystal. We compute the power transmission through the reconfigurable PCWs as well as through arbitrary waveguide bends. The advantages of writing reconfigurable PCW of a multimode nature are highlighted. We demonstrate the necessity to infiltrate high-refractive-index substances to obtain efficient power transfer via reconfigurable manner. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America.