Dirac cone switching in two-dimensional photonic crystals by rotation of the crystal basis

Abstract

We demonstrate that the symmetry breaking in photonic crystals can be used to obtain a narrow opening of the Dirac cone. We have found that in a two-dimensional square lattice composed by dielectric square rods, it is possible to open a bandgap by rotating the crystal basis. Our simulations of the transmission demonstrate that it can be substantially tuned, allowing a switching mechanism. These results can be useful for developing active devices.