Ionization energy of atoms in photonic crystals

Abstract

The periodic changes in physical and chemical properties of the chemical elements is caused by the periodic change of the ionization energies. The ionization energy of each element is constant and this manifests itself in the periodic table. However, we show that the ionization energies can be dramatically changed, when atoms are placed in a photonic crystal consisting of materials with a highly tunable refractive index and voids. The tunability of these materials gives rise to the tunability of the ionization energies over a wide range. This allows one to come beyond the limitations put on by the periodic table on physical and chemical processes, and can open up new horizons in synthesizing exceptional chemical compounds that could be used in pharmaceutical and other medical-related activities.