EXISTENCE OF 2-DIMENSIONAL ABSOLUTE PHOTONIC BAND-GAPS IN THE VISIBLE

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