Two distinct approaches to tune multiple reflective bands of one-dimensional photonic crystal at normal incidence

Abstract

One-dimensional photonic crystals (1D PC) represent a class of periodic optical material, composed of alternating media with different dielectric constants along one direction. The most important property of 1D PCs is their photonic band-gap. However, multiple reflective bands are rarely reported in this research area. In this paper we demonstrate the tunability of multiple reflective bands in conventional 1D PC structure and 1D PC heterostructure. For both two types of 1D PC construction, positions of multiple reflective bands can be regulated under certain principles. In addition, structural color is revealed by transforming reflection spectra into CIE coordinates. It is indicated that the CIE coordinate shifts caused by multiple reflective bands behave quite different compared to those caused by one major photonic band-gap. The two approaches reported in this work may provide insights for the application of 1D PC in areas such as displays, sensors, and decoration.