Photonic crystal multi-channel drop filter and hetero-structure beam splitter

Photonic crystals have impacted the diverse domain of electromagnetics. With a growning interest, due to their unique ability to control the propagation of light through a periodic dielectric structure, photonic crystals can be integrated with opto-electronic devices to enhance their optical performance. In this paper we investigate two applications of photonic crystals. First, as a multi-channel drop filter, which consists of a waveguide and a frequency selective element (microcavity); and, secondly, as a hetero-structure beam splitter. We also compare the performance of the hetero-structure with that of a uni-structure beam splitter. A Finite-Difference Time-Domain technique was used to simulate both applications.