Photonic crystals are the foundation of numerous modern technologies, ranging from optical communication to advanced medical imaging and laser systems. They are engineered materials with periodic structures that influence the propagation of light, enabling groundbreaking advancements in controlling and manipulating light for various applications.
The Photonics Crystal Library serves as a complete guide, offering detailed descriptions, properties, and application insights for a wide variety of photonic crystals. Whether you are designing a cutting-edge laser system, creating an optical sensor, or researching next-generation technologies, this page provides a centralized hub to explore various photonic crystal materials and their unique functionalities.
With an organized catalog of crystal types, the library is designed to simplify your search and provide technical information at your fingertips. You will find essential details about non-linear crystals, laser crystals, infrared crystals, and more, allowing you to make informed decisions based on your project requirements.
Here is a detailed comparison table for the common crystal categories:
| Crystal Category | Key Features | Applications | Transparency Range (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonlinear Crystal | Enable frequency conversion, harmonic generation, and parametric amplification. | Nonlinear optics, telecommunications, medical lasers. | 0.2 – 18 µm (varies by material). |
| Laser Crystals | Provide optical gain, excellent thermal properties, and high damage thresholds. | Industrial, medical, scientific laser systems. | 0.2 – 2.1 µm |
| Magneto-Optical Crystals | Facilitate polarization control with high Faraday rotation and low absorption. | Laser isolators, circulators, optical communication. | 0.4 – 2.0 µm |
| Birefringent Crystals | High birefringence for polarization optics, waveplates, and polarizers. | Polarization optics, beam splitters, interferometry. | 0.3 – 2.1 µm |
| Raman Crystals | Support Raman scattering processes for wavelength conversion and spectroscopy. | Raman lasers, wavelength conversion, analytical spectroscopy. | 0.2 – 1.0 µm |
| Infrared Crystals | Cover mid-IR to far-IR transparency for thermal imaging and laser systems. | Thermal imaging, spectroscopy, laser guidance systems. | 2.5 – 25 µm |
| Athermal Crystals | Maintain optical stability across wide temperature ranges. | Aerospace, defense, high-precision optical systems. | Variable, designed for thermal stability |
| Q-Switching Crystals | Efficiently modulate laser pulses in high-power applications. | High-power laser cutting, marking, medical lasers. | Visible to NIR range |
| Scintillation Crystals | Convert radiation to visible light with high energy efficiency. | Radiation detection in medical imaging, security. | 0.3 – 2.5 µm |
| Terahertz Crystals | Generate or detect THz radiation for spectroscopy, imaging, and communication. | THz spectroscopy, imaging systems, wireless communications. | 0.1 – 10 THz |
