Nanoantennas directing a bright future

As a next-generation optical control technology, a photonic crystal or nanoantenna is a two-dimensional structure in which nano-sized particles are arranged periodically on a substrate. Phosphor plates combined with nanoantennas using metallic aluminum have increased photoluminescence. However, aluminum also absorbs light, reducing the output in high-intensity lighting applications. Switching to titanium dioxide for its high refractive index and low-light absorption has given 10 times enhanced directional photoluminescence.