Abstract: The feasibility of using Si/C60 multilayer films as one-dimensional (1D) photonic band gap crystals was investigated by theoretical calculations using a transfer matrix method (TMM). The response has been studied both within and out of the periodic plane of Si/C60 multilayers. It is found that Si/C60 multilayer films show incomplete photonic band gap (PBG) behavior in the visible frequency range. The fabricated Si/C60 multilayers with two pairs of 70 nm C60 and 30 nm Si layers exhibit a PBG at central wavelength of about 600 nm, and the highest reflectivity can reach 99%. As a consequence, this photonic crystal may be important for fabricating a photonic crystal with an incomplete band gap in the visible frequency range.

Key words: fullerene,  Si,  multilayer films,  photonic band gap,  TMM method