Photonic structures are materials that have a periodic arrangement of dielectric or metallic materials, which can manipulate the flow of light. Crystals, on the other hand, are solid materials with an ordered atomic or molecular structure.
The main difference between photonic structures and crystals is their composition. Photonic structures are typically made of dielectric or metallic materials, while crystals are made of atoms or molecules arranged in a specific pattern. Additionally, photonic structures are designed to manipulate light, while crystals have a variety of properties such as electrical conductivity and mechanical strength.
Both photonic structures and crystals have a wide range of applications in science. Photonic structures are used in the development of photonic devices such as lasers, optical fibers, and solar cells. Crystals are used in various fields such as material science, electronics, and biology. They are also used in research to study the properties of matter and light interaction.
Some popular beginner's books on photonic structures and crystals include "Photonic Crystals: Molding the Flow of Light" by John D. Joannopoulos, "Photonic Crystals: The Road from Theory to Practice" by Richard M. De La Rue, and "Introduction to Photonic Crystals" by Kurt Busch and Sven Burger. These books cover the basics of photonic structures and crystals, as well as their applications and current research.
To understand photonic structures and crystals, it is important to have a basic understanding of optics, electromagnetism, and solid-state physics. Additionally, understanding the principles of crystallography, diffraction, and band theory is crucial in comprehending the properties and behavior of these materials. Familiarity with mathematical tools such as Fourier analysis and numerical methods is also necessary for advanced studies in this field.