Optical resonances in a 3D superlattice of photonic band gap cavities

The confinement of light in three dimensions (3D) is an active research topic in Nanophotonics, since it allows for ultimate control over photons [1]. A powerful tool to this end is a 3D photonic band gap crystal with a tailored defect that acts as a cavity or even a waveguide [2]. When a one-dimensional array of cavities is coupled, an intricate waveguiding system appears, known as a CROW (coupled resonator optical waveguide) [3]. Remarkably, 3D superlattices of coupled cavities that resonate inside a 3D band gap have not been studied to date. Recently, theoretical work has predicted the occurrence of “Cartesian light”, wherein light propagates by hopping only in high symmetry directions in space [4]. This represents the optical analog of the Anderson model for spins or electrons that is relevant for neuromorphic computing and may lead to intricate lasing [5].