Periodic structures

Periodic structures are arrangements of materials or patterns that repeat consistently at regular intervals in space. Think of them like a grid or lattice that extends infinitely, with each repeating unit called a "unit cell." These structures are fundamental in various fields, such as photonics, crystallography, and materials science, because their repeating nature influences how they interact with light, sound, or electrons. The regularity creates specific behaviors and properties, like band gaps in photonic crystals or unique electrical characteristics in semiconductors, making periodic structures vital for designing advanced technologies.