Photonic crystal slabs

Photonic crystal slabs are thin, engineered materials with a periodic structure that controls how light travels through them. Think of them as optical "barriers" that can trap, direct, or filter specific wavelengths of light. Their repeating pattern creates a photonic bandgap—similar to how a crystal’s atomic structure affects electrons—allowing precise control over light propagation. Used in advanced technologies like lasers, sensors, and optical communication devices, these slabs enable efficient manipulation of light at microscopic scales, enhancing performance and enabling new functionalities in photonic systems.