Effective mass of photons and the existence of heavy photons in photonic crystals

The dynamic properties of photons in photonic crystals as classical particles were investigated. The dispersion law of electromagnetic waves, corresponding to the two lowest branches, has been analysed. The expression for photonic mass was obtained. Positive and negative values of photon mass were found. At some spectral regions the photon mass value essentially increases. Taking into account resonance states due to dielectric or metal nanoparticles embedded into globular photonic crystal pores, heavy photons with very low velocities may exist. Experimental results for three-dimensional photonic crystals' optical properties are presented.