Wonjoo Suh

Temporal coupled-mode theory for the Fano resonance in optical resonators.

We present a theory of the Fano resonance for optical resonators, based on a temporal coupled-mode formalism. This theory is applicable to the general scheme of a single optical resonance coupled with multiple input and output ports. We show that the coupling constants in such a theory are strongly constrained by energy-conservation and time-reversal symmetry considerations. In particular, for a two-port symmetric structure, Fano-resonant line shape can be derived by using only these symmetry considerations. We validate the analysis by comparing the theoretical predictions with three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulations of guided resonance in photonic crystal slabs. Such a theory may prove to be useful for response-function synthesis in filter and sensor applications.

Temporal coupled-mode theory and the presence of non-orthogonal modes in lossless multimode cavities

We develop a general temporal coupled-mode theory for multimode optical resonators. This theory incorporates a formal description of a direct transmission pathway, and is therefore capable of describing Fano interference phenomena in multimode cavities. Using this theory, we prove a general criterion that governs the existence of nonorthogonal modes. The presence of nonorthogonal modes creates interesting transport properties which can not be obtained in normal resonator systems. We validate our theory by comparing its predictions with first-principles finite-difference time-domain simulations and obtaining excellent agreement between the two.

Displacement-sensitive photonic crystal structures based on guided resonance in photonic crystal slabs

We introduce a mechanically tunable photonic crystal structure consisting of coupled photonic crystal slabs. Using both analytic theory, and first-principles finite-difference time-domain simulations, we demonstrate that a strong variation of transmission and reflection coefficients of light through such structures can be accomplished with only a nanoscale variation of the spacing between the slabs. Moreover, by specifically configuring the photonic crystal structures, high sensitivity can be preserved in spite of significant fabrication-related disorders. We expect such structures to play important roles in micromechanically tunable optical sensors and filters.

Angular and polarization properties of a photonic crystal slab mirror

It was recently demonstrated that a photonic crystal slab can function as a mirror for externally incident light along a normal direction with near-complete reflectivity over a broad wavelength range. We analyze the angular and polarization properties of such photonic crystal slab mirror, and show such reflectivity occurs over a sizable angular range for both polarizations. We also show that such mirror can be designed to reflect one polarization completely, while allowing 100% transmission for the other polarization, thus behaving as a polarization splitter with a complete contrast. The theoretical analysis is validated by comparing with experimental measurements.

Displacement sensing using evanescent tunneling between guided resonances in photonic crystal slabs

Using both analytic theory and first-principles finite-difference time-domain simulations, we introduce a displacement sensing mechanism using photonic crystal slabs coupled in the near-field regime. In this regime, the operating characteristics are completely different from conventional resonant optical sensors, and high sensitivity can be obtained without the use of highly reflecting mirrors. This enables high displacement sensitivity combined with low sensitivity to wavelength and to structural disorders, thereby simplifying operation and fabrication of high-sensitivity displacement sensors.

All-pass transmission or flattop reflection filters using a single photonic crystal slab

We show that a single photonic crystal slab can function either as optical all-pass transmission or flattop reflection filter for normally incident light. Both filter functions are synthesized by designing the spectral properties of guided resonance in the slab. The structure is extremely compact along the vertical direction. We expect this device to be useful for optical communication systems.

Mechanically switchable photonic crystal filter with either all-pass transmission or flat-top reflection characteristics

We theoretically introduce a new type of optical all-pass filter based on guided resonance in coupled photonic crystal slabs. The filter exhibits near-complete transmission for both on- and off-resonant frequencies and yet generates large resonant group delay. We further show that such a filter can be mechanically switched into a flat-top band rejection filter.

Photonic crystal slabs demonstrating strong broadband suppression of transmission in the presence of disorders.

We characterize the transmission spectra of out-of-plane, normal-incidence light of two-dimensional silicon photonic crystal slabs and observe excellent agreement between the measured data and finite-difference time-domain simulations over the 1050-1600-nm wavelength range. Crystals that are 340 nm thick and have holes of 330-nm radius on a square lattice of 998-nm pitch show 20-dB extinction in transmission from 1220 to 1255 nm. Increasing the hole radius to 450 nm broadens the extinction band further, and we obtain >85% extinction from 1310 to 1550 nm. Discrepancies between simulation and measurement are ascribed to disorder in the photonic lattice, which is measured through image processing on high-resolution scanning electron micrographs. Analysis of crystal imperfections indicates that they tend to average out narrowband spectral features, while having relatively small effects on broadband features.

One-mode model for patterned metal layers inside integrated color pixels

Optimized design of the optical filters inside integrated color pixels (ICPs) for complementary metal-oxide semiconductor image sensors requires analytical models. ICP optical filters consist of subwavelength patterned metal layers. We show that a one-mode model, in which subwavelength gaps in the metal layer are described in terms of single-mode waveguides, suffices to predict the salient features of measured ICP wavelength selectivity. The Airy-like transmittance formula, derived for transverse-electric polarization, predicts an angle-independent cutoff wavelength, which is in good agreement with predictions made with a two-dimensional finite-difference time-domain method.

Mechanically switchable photonic crystal structures based on coupled photonic crystal slabs

Using both analytic theory, and first-principles finite-difference time-domain simulations, we introduce several novel mechanically tunable photonic crystal structures consisting of coupled photonic crystal slabs. These structures exploit guided resonance effects which give rise to strong variation of transmission for normally incident light. First, when the two slabs are separated apart by a few wavelengths, such a coupled slab structure behaves as a miniaturized Fabry-Perot cavity with two photonic crystal slabs acting as highly reflecting mirrors. Therefore, the transmission through the structure is highly sensitive to the spacing between the slabs. Second, when the two slabs are in proximity to each other, the evanescent tails of the resonance start to overlap. Exploiting the evanescent tunneling, we introduce a new type of optical all-pass filter. The filter exhibits near complete transmission for both on and off resonant frequencies, and yet generates large resonant group delay. Thus, we expect the coupled photonic crystal slab structures to play important roles in micro-mechanically tunable optical sensors and filters.