Abstract

We consider ultrashort pulse propagation and dynamics for a one-dimensional photonic band-gap structure within the context of a small number of periods (10 to 30 in general), and large index contrast between layers (δn ≥ 0.4).¹ Attention is restricted to the linear regime. We address the physics of electromagnetic momentum and energy flow, and the field dynamics, as described by Maxwell's equations within the first transmission resonance near the photonic band edge. We show that interference terms strongly influence the momentum and energy density of an electromagnetic pulse as it propagates through the compact photonic band-gap crystal.

© 1996 Optical Society of America