Novel applications of photonic band gap materials: Low-loss bends and high Q cavities

In this paper we discuss a novel material which has nearly ideal properties at optical frequencies. It combines the low dissipation of a dielectric with the reflectivity of a metal. This material employs a two-dimensional photonic band gap structure to achieve in-plane confinement of light and uses index contrast to achieve vertical confinement. We discuss how this material can be used to create microcavities for the production of low threshold lasers and waveguides capable of low-loss bends.