Slow light modes for optical delay lines: 2D photonic crystal-based design structures, performances and challenges

This paper presents an overview of 2D photonic crystal-based structures designed to display low group velocity as well as reduced group velocity dispersions. Their main envisioned applications are optical delay lines for telecom transmissions at 1.55 µm. Optical mechanisms responsible for slowing down the optical modes and encountered in the slow light regime serve as a guideline for this paper. (review article)