We present a general framework for the design of thin-film photovoltaics based on a partiallydisordered photonic crystal that has both enhanced absorption for light trapping and reduced sensitivity to the angle and polarization of incident radiation. The absorption characteristics of different lattice structures are investigated as an initial periodic structure is gradually perturbed. We find that an optimal amount of disorder controllably introduced into a multi-lattice photonic crystal causes the characteristic narrow-band, resonant peaks to be broadened resulting in a device with enhanced and robust performance ideal for typical operating conditions of photovoltaic applications.

We describe a mechanism and propose design strategies to selectively tailor repulsive-gradient-optical forces between parallel, nanophotonic waveguides via morphology augmented by slow-light band-edge modes. We show that at small separation lengths, the repulsive force can be made nearly 2 orders of magnitude larger than that of standard dielectric waveguides with a square cross section. The increased coupling interactions should enable a wider dynamic range of optomechanical functionality for potential applications in sensing, switching, and nanoelectromechanical systems.

We propose a set of principles to tailor and enhance optical forces between parallel, periodic dielectric waveguides by molding the eigen-mode field distribution via the combined effects of highly symmetric slow light modes and waveguide morphology. The geometries here considered are amenable to standard lithographic techniques and possess strong repulsive and attractive optical forces that can be enhanced via slow-light band edge modes. This new methodology should enable the fabrication of optomechanical devices for applications in sensing, switching and nano-optomechanical systems.

In this paper we investigate the optical forces induced by localized optical modes propagating along three parallel waveguides, of which only the central one is free to move. In this configuration, when all three waveguides are identical, the components of the optical-force acting on the free beam are decoupled along the axis of symmetry. As a result, two dimensional optomechanical control of the central waveguide, like single-mode optical trapping, can be achieved. We also study non symmetric configurations, that can be used, for example, to tailor the position of the optical trap. Unlike other techniques that rely on buckling, multi-mode excitation or radiation-pressure, single-mode optomechanical-operation should help the realization of faster and simpler on-chip positioning of a single nanobeam since most of the parameters involved can be controlled with great precision.