An efficient 12 optical power splitter constructed by a two-dimensional photonic crystal has been analyzed using the finite difference time domain (FD-TD) method. The power splitter has a microcavity which is coupled to an input and two output waveguides. We have confirmed that all optical power is transmitted into output waveguides due to resonant tunneling caused by the microcavity.

We have fabricated several two-dimensional photonic-crystal (2DPC) slab waveguides by using fine electron beam lithography and dry etching. The 2DPC waveguides include straight, bend, Y-branch, directional coupler, and coupled-cavity waveguides on the GaAs/AlGaAs substrate as an application to the ultra-small and ultra-fast all-optical switching device. Transmission spectra and near field patterns were characterized in a wide wavelength range from 850 to 1600 nm with the sample finished to the air-bridge type 2DPC slab. These waveguides appear to be suitable for achieving the waveguide platform in the symmetrical-Mach-Zehnder device.