NOVEL OPTICAL SUPERLATTICES

We investigate the optical properties of a metal/insulator superlattic e with regular and random layer widths. The choice of materials, frequ ency and layer widths implies that a large range of optical transfer f unctions are available. An effective medium approach is introduced to make it easier to design a superlattice having the desired optical tra nsfer function. We phrase our analysis in terms of the coupled photon- polarization modes of the superlattice; its elementary excitations. We find in particular the possibility of a Rydberg like series of locali zed photonic states. Our study also incorporates an analysis of a very thin superlattice, just one unit cell. We discuss how this system can be used for optical switching or filter action.