Characterization of the optical properties of photonic crystals using frequency resolved optical gating

This dissertation describes the experimental characterization and comparison to theoretical prediction of the optical properties of one-dimensional photonic crystals. We first derive a theoretical model to describe photonic crystals using the transfer matrix method. We then describe how this model can be experimentally tested using Frequency Resolved Optical Gating. The theory behind the measurement process and the data analysis method is described in detail. This is followed by the presentation of experimental results and comparison of these results to theoretical prediction. Conclusions are drawn about both the utility of the measurement technique and the optical properties of one-dimensional photonic crystals.