Advances in photonic crystals with MEMS and with semiconductor quantum dots

We discuss photonic crystals (PCs) with a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) and semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) as novel classes of PC devices. Integration of MEMS structures into PC devices enables one to realize several kinds of functional devices, such as modulators, switches, and tunable filters for highly integrated photonic circuits. We describe the basic concept of MEMS-integrated PC devices and show numerical and experimental demonstrations of MEMS-integrated functional PC devices. On the other hand, QDs are promising candidates for active media in PC devices. Spontaneous emission control of QD emission in PC nanocavities is especially important for novel optoelectronic devices and quantum information devices. In PC nanocavities, the interaction between QD excitons and photons is enhanced dramatically. The control of spontaneous emission spectrum and the enhancement of the luminescence intensity of InAs QDs by PC nanocavities are demonstrated at telecommunication wavelengths. The Purcell effect for ensemble and single QDs in PC nanocavities are also discussed.