Three-Dimensional Photonic Crystals for Laser Applications

DT Optics proposes to develop and produce large three-dimensional photonic crystals for a new class of lasers. Lasers already have had extensive and important commercial and military applications. The key to produce more powerful and more efficient lasers lies in production of more efficient optical cavity with optical amplifying medium embedded. The hope is in photonic crystals. This project will emply our research results about the electrorheological effect and a Navy-owned and governemtn licensed technolgy, Electroset, to develop a manufacture technology producing large three-dimensional photonic crystals and to develop a testing technology determining appropriate photonic band structure of photonic crystals. In the part of Phase I Optional, DT Optics will produce three-dimensional photonic crystals with optical amplifying medium embedded and demonstrate that these photonic crystals are suitable for adaption in laser systems. This work will facilitate Phase II, whose objective is to adapt the optical properties of photnic crystals for use in a laser system.