Photonic Crystals

[combsbt]

I've stumbled across an interesting method of changing frequency and wavelength of light using a photonic crystalline structure that does to light what a semiconductor does to electrons...

_http://www.freshpatents.com/Frequency-modulation-structure-and-method-utilizing-frozen-shockwave-dt20080410ptan20080084604.php

Abstract: A system and method for modulating the frequency of electromagnetic radiation utilizes a frozen shockwave in a photonic band gap structure. The structure provides a discontinuity in lattice constant that functions as a shockwave, and that does not shift its position within the structure. In addition the modulation device or structure includes an acoustic pulse generator, such as a piezoelectric transducer coupled to one end of the photonic band gap structure. The acoustic pulse generator may be driven to produce a periodic pulse in the photonic band gap structure. The frozen shockwave, a defect or discontinuity in the photonic band gap structure, is used to hold incoming electromagnetic radiation in place. The acoustic pulse passing through the photonic band gap structure Doppler shifts the frequency of the radiation. The frequency-shifted radiation is then ejected out of the frozen shockwave portion of the photonic band gap structure.

So an acoustic pulse sent through a crystalline structure modifies the properties of an em wave passing through it. This could be related to the energy focusing said to be done by the crystals forged by atlanteans. And using an acoustic wave for the doppler shift reminds me of 'sound wave focusing'. But of course, the C's said “Atlantean technology makes yours look like the Neanderthal era.” So even if this is heading in that direction, it is probably pretty primitive, but interesting nonetheless.

Here's a good article explaining it, instead of just a patent:
_http://www.mit.edu/~soljacic/rev_dopp_PRL.pdf