We describe the creation of general photonic crystals by means of holography with an experimental demonstration. The recordings of periodic variations of amplitude and phase by the interference of coherent laser beams offer a natural means for the creation of one- two- or three-dimensional photonic crystals. Based on the principle of the interference of four noncoplanar beams, we present a comparative analysis of two different approaches for creating photonic crystals and use numerical simulated lattice structures to illustrate the differences between these two approaches. We then use a specific symmetrical optical architecture and select the proper approach to create holographic photonic crystals. The advantages and constraints of this holographic method are discussed.
展开▼