Zero-group-velocity modes in chalcogenide holey photonic-crystal fibers

We demonstrate that a holey photonic-crystal fiber with chalcogenide-glass index contrast can be designed to have a complete gap at a propagation constant beta = 0 that also extends into the non-zero beta region. This type of bandgap (previously identified only at index contrasts unattainable in glasses) opens up a regime for guiding zero-group-velocity modes not possible in holey fibers with the more common finger-like gaps originating from beta-->infinity. Such modes could be used to enhance nonlinear and other material interactions, such as for hollow-core fibers in gas-sensor applications.