Guiding 1.5 μm light in photonic crystals based on dielectric rods

Photonic-crystal structures consisting of dielectric rods were designed, fabricated, and optically characterized. The combination of the high refractive-index-contrast GaAs∕AlxOy material system with electron-beam lithography enabled the fabrication of structures suitable for the optical propagation of 1.5 μm light. Experimental transmission spectra were obtained for structures consisting of a two-dimensional array of rods and line-defect waveguides. Optical measurements confirmed the presence of a photonic band gap, as well as band gap guidance in the line-defect waveguide. A two-stage coupling scheme facilitated efficient optical coupling into the line-defect waveguide.