FREQUENCY MODULATION STRUCTURE AND METHOD UTILIZING FROZEN SHOCKWAVE

摘要

A system (10) and method for modulating the frequency of electromagnetic radiation utilizes a frozen Shockwave (26) in a photonic band gap structure (12). The structure provides a discontinuity (24) in lattice constant that functions as a Shockwave, and that does not shift its position within the structure. In addition the modulation device or structure includes an acoustic pulse generator (14), such as a piezoelectric transducer coupled to one end of the photonic band gap structure. The acoustic pulse generator may be driven to produce a periodic pulse (44) in the photonic band gap structure. The frozen Shockwave, a defect or discontinuity in the photonic band gap structure, is used to hold incoming electromagnetic radiation in place. The acoustic pulse passing through the photonic band gap structure Doppler shifts the radiation. The frequency-shifted radiation is then ejected out of the frozen Shockwave portion of the photonic band gap structure.