Patent ID: 6690876
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: B82Y,G02B

Abstract:
A three-dimensional photonic crystal waveguide apparatus comprising:a three-dimensional photonic crystal, said three-dimensional photonic crystal comprising a plurality of layers arranged one above another, each of the plurality of layers comprising a plurality of elements that are parallel to and spaced from one another, the plurality of elements in each layer arranged at an angle greater that zero with respect to the plurality of elements in an adjacent layer; and a waveguide in said three-dimensional photonic crystal that is capable of transmitting light having a frequency within a bandgap of said three-dimensional photonic crystal, said waveguide comprising a first region of defects in a segment of an element in a first layer of said plurality of layers and having a light input, and a second region of defects in at least a segment of an element in a second layer of said plurality of layers and having two light outputs, the first region of defects and the second region of defects intersecting to provide an optical splitter that extends from said first layer to said second layer.