Photonic crystal. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a one-dimensional photonic crystal bridge. The bridge is a waveguide, which can trans

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Photonic crystal. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a one-dimensional photonic crystal bridge. The bridge is a waveguide, which can transmit information as light (photons). The regular spacing of holes creates a photonic crystal, in which light of a specific frequency cannot propagate. A defect (centre) has been created by leaving a larger gap between two holes. Photons of the specific frequency become trapped in this defect, which is known as a resonant cavity. This allows a specific frequency of light to be separated from mixed frequencies. This could find uses in optical computers. Work done at MIT, USA. Magnification: x3,050 at 6x7cm size. x11,000 at 7x10ins

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Size: 4389px × 3221px
Photo credit: © J. JOANNOPOULOS/MIT/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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