

In the most recent (16 July) issue of Nature Japanese researchers reveal manipulation of photons at the surface of photonic crystals, an important step towards realising novel optical devices. The paper is titled 'Manipulation of photons at the surface of three-dimensional photonic crystals.'
Photonic crystals are periodic optical nanostructures designed to affect the motion of photons - particles representing a quantum of light - much as semiconductor periodicity affects the movement of electrons. So far, photonic crystals have been used to direct and manipulate photons inside the material.
Kenji Ishizaki and Susumu Noda of the Department of Electronic Science and Engineering, Kyoto University show that photons can be controlled and manipulated at the surface of such crystals.
This new method of manipulating photons using photonic crystals may one day enable the control of photons in optical circuits.
Buckyball birth observed by Sandia nanotech researcher
Neutron scatter camera provides a way to look at radiation
New magnet design
Researchers race ahead with latest spintronics achievement