Very Large Spontaneous-Emission β Factors in Photonic-Crystal Waveguides

Through a new rigorous Bloch-mode formalism, we theoretically study the generation of photons in single-row-defect photonic-crystal waveguides. In contrast with previous related works relying on a reinforcement of the spontaneous emission (SE) through microcavity effects, we explore situations for which the SE into radiation modes is reduced to a very low level while the SE into the guided mode is maintained at a level comparable to that in the bulk material. Remarkably large SE β factors in excess of 95% are obtained, and since no resonance effect is involved, this efficiency is achieved over a 40-nm-large spectral interval at A ≈ 950 nm.