Modulation of photonic crystals by surface acoustic waves

We demonstrate the dynamic control of light propagation in a one-dimensional photonic resonator by Rayleigh surface acoustic waves (SAWs) generated by interdigital transducers. The strong acoustic and optical fields in the resonator enhance the intensity of the Brillouin scattered light to values comparable to the one of the exciting beam. The SAW-driven resonator acts as a compact Bragg cell, which can be configured to operate as a switch, a frequency shifter, or a modulator.