Photonic Devices
Assuming a basic knowledge of optics, semiconductors and electromagnetic waves, this unique text provides coverage of every major photonic device, and strikes a careful balance between theoretical and practical concepts.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Photonic Devices
Part I: Background
Chapter List
- Chapter 1: General Background
Overview
Photonics is an engineering discipline concerning the control of light, or photons, for useful applications, much as electronics has to do with electrons. Light is electromagnetic radiation of frequencies in the range from 1 THz to 10 PHz, corresponding to wavelengths between ~300 ?m and ~30 nm in free space. This optical spectral range is generally divided into infrared, visible, and ultraviolet regions, as indicated in Table 1.1. The spectral range of concern in photonics is usually in a wavelength range between 10 ?m and 100 nm. The primary interest in the applications of photonic devices is in an even narrower range of visible and near infrared wavelengths. As we shall see later, this spectral range of application is largely determined by the properties of materials used for photonic devices.
| Wave region | Frequency | Wavelength | Devices | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radio | kHz MHz GHz | km m cm | Electronic devices | |
| Microwave | 1 GHz 1 THz | 300 mm 300 ?m | Microwave devices | |
| Optical | ||||
| 1 THz 430 THz | 300 ?m 700 nm | | Photonic devices |
| 430 THz 750 THz | 700 nm 400 nm | ||
| 750 THz 10 PHz | 400 nm 30 nm | ||
| X-ray | 10 PHz 10 EHz | 30 nm 300 pm | ||
| Gamma ray | 10 EHz and above | 300 pm and shorter |
The wave nature of light is very important in the function of photonic devices. In particular, the propagation of light in a photonic device is completely characterized by its wave nature. However, in the spectral range of interest for practical photonic...
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