Simulating Light Wave Propagation in One-Dimensional Photonic Crystals

This article introduces methods for simulating light wave propagation in one-dimensional photonic crystals, representing a fascinating and practical research domain. Photonic crystals are materials with periodic dielectric constants whose structures can be precisely controlled through various microfabrication techniques. In photonic crystals, the speed and direction of light propagation are governed by the material's structural properties, giving rise to intriguing phenomena such as dispersion curves. Through computational simulations of light wave behavior in photonic crystals, we can gain deeper insights into these phenomena and provide valuable references for photonic crystal design and applications. The simulation typically involves implementing transfer matrix methods to calculate electromagnetic wave propagation through periodic dielectric layers, where key functions include computing reflectance/transmittance spectra and band structure visualization. This article will detail simulation methodologies and relevant theoretical frameworks, while also discussing recent research findings and future directions in the field, including optimization algorithms for bandgap calculations and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) implementations for time-dependent wave propagation analysis.