Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide photonic crystal-based
optical elements for integrated circuits. A photonic crystal optical
device comprises a substrate and a plurality of pillars forming a
photonic crystal structure over the substrate. The pillars are spaced
apart from each other. Each pillar has a height and a horizontal
cross-sectional shape. A material with a different dielectric constant
than the pillars is provided within the spacing between the pillars.
According to exemplary embodiments of the invention, the photonic
crystal-based optical element can be an optical interconnect, a lens, or
a filter. The photonic crystal-based optical element of the invention can
be used to transmit solitons.