Photonic-band-gap properties of two-dimensional lattices of Si nanopillars

We studied photonic-band-gap properties of two-dimensional lattices of Si nanopillars by theoretical calculation and measurement of reflection and transmission spectra. We focused on advantages of these photonic crystals compared to other Si photonic crystals, which usually operate in the range of transparency of bulk Si (wavelengths longer than ∼1.1 μm). We showed that the available spectral range for the photonic crystals of Si nanopillars can be extended to the submicron wavelengths, light absorption by Si nanopillars being insignificant. Another important advantage of Si nanopillar lattices is the ability to incorporate luminescent materials into the huge free space of this photonic crystal. We demonstrate the inhibition of spontaneous emission of dye incorporated into the nanopillar lattice.