Spatially Inhomogeneous Gain Modification in Photonic Crystals

The electric and magnetic energy distributions in photonic crystals (PC) are calculated by using the plane wave expansion (PWE) method. Even though the total electric and magnetic energy in each unit cell of photonic crystals are equal to each other, the ratio of electric and magnetic energy densities varies depending on the local position. Based on Fermi’s golden rule, the optical gain is analysed in the full quantum framework that takes the nonuniform energy density ratio into account. This nonuniform energy density ratio in photonic crystals, defined in an equal form as gain modification factor, leads to spatially inhomogeneous modification of optical gain. Results reported in the paper provide a new perspective for analysing gain characteristics, as well as the lasing properties, in photonic crystals.