Existence of two-dimensional absolute photonic band gaps in the visible

Using the plane wave method, we study two two-dimensional structures that possess absolute photonic band gaps: the triangular and the graphite photonic crystals. We compare their convenience in achieving photonic crystals which inhibit the propagation of visible electromagnetic waves. We show that this is very difficult to obtain with a triangular structure because its gap is too narrow and its dimensions are too small to be fabricated. On the contrary, wider gaps and larger dimensions that can easily be etched makes graphite a much more appropriate structure. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics.