3D photonic crystals

3D photonic crystals are materials with a three-dimensional structure that manipulates light in precise ways, similar to how a crystal lattice controls electrons in semiconductors. Their repeating patterns create regions where certain light wavelengths cannot pass—called photonic band gaps—allowing for control over the flow of light. This enables advanced applications like highly efficient optical fibers, lasers, and sensors. Essentially, they shape and direct light with high precision, opening new possibilities for telecommunications, computing, and sensing technologies.