Free spectral range enlargement by selective suppression of optical modes in photonic crystal L7 microcavities

We show an enlargement in the free spectral range (FSR) of the emission spectra of a L7 photonic crystal microcavity (PCM). The FSR enlargement is achieved by the selective modal suppression of the second cavity mode. The selective suppression is made by introducing two nano-inclusions in specific sites within the defect region that forms the cavity. We have demonstrated the suppression of the second mode of the L7-PCM, and a significant increase in the FSR of the fundamental mode. The method provides an alternative to engineer the modal structure of a photonic crystal microcavity. The large FSR-value might improve the emission properties of light sources based on photonic crystal structures.