Patent ID: 7039287
Filing Date: 2006-05-02
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
1. A display element comprising: a two dimensional or three dimensional photonic crystal having a photonic band gap in a predetermined wavelength region; light source means; and control means, wherein the photonic crystal has a waveguide made from a linear defect, and a plurality of resonators made from point defects disposed close to the waveguide, wherein the light source means guides light of the predetermined wavelength region to the waveguide, wherein a resonance wavelength of each of the resonators can be changed according to a control signal from the control means, wherein the control means effects a control between: a first state in which light within the waveguide is emitted to an outside of the photonic crystal by setting the resonance wavelength to match a wavelength of the light guided from the light source means; and a second state in which emission of the light within the waveguide to the outside of the photonic crystal is blocked by setting the resonance wavelength to a wavelength that differs from the wavelength of the light guided from the light source means, and wherein the plurality of resonators form pixels.