Fabrication of One Dimensional Photonic Crystal By Sputtering and Sol Gel Methods

TiO$_{2}$ and SiO$_{2}$ are two oxides that offer one of the largest refractive index differences, which could be tailored for various optical device applications. A one dimensional photonic crystal (1-D PC) within the UV-visible spectrum made of thin multilayer films of TiO $_{2}$ and SiO$_{2}$ was fabricated. Two methods of deposition were compared: magnetron sputtering and sol-gel spin coating. The photonic band gap (PBG) was theoretically and experimentally determined by controlling the periodic spacing of the constituent materials. PBG's were observed between 200 – 350 nm in both samples. Furthermore, steps towards making a PC with 2-D and omnidirectional band gaps were investigated. Further details of the fabrication steps as well as the specific results obtained will be presented.