Two-dimensional photonic crystals: new feasible confined optical systems

After a brief review of the basic properties of ideal two-dimensional photonic crystals, we describe the recent advances that have led to them being considered candidates in realistic, feasible optoelectronic systems that take advantage of their powerful light control capability. Two main fields of applications are integrated optics and microstructured fibres. We focus on the former one, closer to the genuine photonic gap concept. We illustrate through a number of optical elements – simple crystals, guides and cavities – the peculiarities of confinement by such systems. To cite this article: H. Benisty et al., C. R. Physique 3 (2002) 89–102