Photonic structures are designed to affect the motion of photons in a similar way as electronic materials (such as semiconductors) affect the motion of electrons. The periodicity that is key in these structures is mostly achieved by growing high-quality crystals or by using nanofabrication tools to sculpt a periodic array of 3D nanostructures through which the electromagnetic waves propagate.

AMOLF is world leading in the design and fabrication of nanophotonic structures created from metallic and dielectric materials in which light interacts with conduction electrons to generate plasmons. The photonic nanostructures can be used for example to miniaturize optical chips or to achieve high solar-cell efficiencies.