Tunable one-dimensional photonic
\ncrystal slabs based on preferential
\netching of silicon-on-insulator

Abstract

We design and assess a one-dimensional photonic crystal slab
\nfabricated by preferential etching of a silicon-on-insulator substrate. The
\netched grooves are considered to be infiltrated by a highly-birefringent
\nnematic liquid crystalline material. A detailed analysis of the nematic
\ndirector response within the grooves is presented. We investigate different
\nconfigurations and demonstrate large band gap shifting when switching the
\nliquid crystal with an applied voltage. Furthermore, we assess this type of
\ndevice as an efficient alternative for compact refractometric optical sensing
\napplications