Three-color photonic crystal demultiplexer based on ultralow-refractive-index metamaterial technology

We numerically demonstrate the operation of a novel class of wavelength-division demultiplexing circuit based on photonic crystal waveguides that are entirely synthesized by ultralow-refractive-index metallic nanopillars. The operational principle of the newly proposed device is based on the phenomenon of total external reflections in ultralow-refractive-index metallic photonic crystal structures (metamaterials). In addition we provide detailed design guidelines for optimum device performance. The low propagation losses and compact size, as well as temperature-insensitive operation over a wide temperature range, are only a few of the advantages of the proposed technology, making this new type of demultiplexer an excellent candidate for applications in the visible spectrum.