Linear and nonlinear optics in photonic crystals

Abstract

The history of resonance photonic crystals started with the pursuit for control over spontaneous decay in a photonic bandgap structure. Initiated by Bykov in optics, it was however implemented for the first time in the microwave domain by Yablonovitch et al. in 1991. This prediction of suppression of spontaneous emission of photons by a twolevel atom turned into enhancement of optical nonlinearities, optical soliton generation and transport, and addressable light localization that is due to both structure and optically active defect created inside the crystal. This article reviews both fundamental theoretical ideas in the resonance photonic crystal with defect inside and selected experimental developments in the sense that reflects interests and expertise of the author.