Photon Density of States in a Cholesteric Photonic Crystal

Abstract

The photon density of states in a cholesteric photonic crystal in the region of the photon band has been determined from the measured polarized luminescence spectra. The orientational ordering of the transition dipole moment in luminescence, as well as the ellipticity of light eigenmodes in the photonic crystal, has been taken into account when determining the density of states. Maxima in the spectrum of the density of states on two sides of the photonic band are related to the displacement of states from the band. The group velocity of light inside the photonic band exceeds the speed of light in vacuum.