Fluorescence lifetimes and linewidths of dye in photonic crystals

Abstract

We have measured spectrally resolved fluorescence lifetimes of dye incorporated in high-quality photonic crystals, made of colloidal spheres. The emission spectrum shows a pronounced Bragg notch. In contrast, the fluorescence lifetime does not depend on the interaction between light and the photonic crystal. The results are explained with a simple model of an atom in a cavity. The effects of homogeneous and inhomogeneous broadening of the emission spectrum of dye inside photonic crystals are discussed.