Photonic crystal reflectance switching by dye electrophoresis.

Reflectivity of a photonic crystal device fabricated by glancing angle deposition may be reversibly altered by infiltration with an absorbing dye solution. An electric field controls the dye ion motion through the photonic crystal. Rapid reflectance changes up to 0.4 in the crystal’s optical band gap are demonstrated. The time evolution of the dye movement process is examined and its operation described. This work may have applications for a passive optical display. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]