As the search for fabrication techniques towards the production of large area defect free three-dimensional photonic crystals continues, holographic lithography presents itself as a possible solution. In this thesis, a simplified method that is free of complex optical setups is demonstrated. Within the core of the method presented lies a readily available optical component, a phase grating that by design presents a region of interference available for lithographic processing. The phase grating exhibiting a one-dimensional periodic arrangement designed to diffract into three substantial orders necessitates two exposures after which a three-dimensional periodic arrangement is realized. The negative tone photo resist, SU-8 utilized to record the designed intensity distribution proves itself as a viable intermediary towards high dielectric contrast structures.The previously established large bandgap photonic crystals present fabrication challenges and thus approximations to these structures have been proposed. The specific method employed opens the door to only one of the previously established champion photonic crystals but nevertheless the most sought after diamond structure predicted to exhibit one of the largest possible band gaps. The woodpile structure possessing some of the qualities of the diamond lattice is proven to be an adequate practical approximation and once properly designed exhibit large band gaps. The specific technique employed permits the exploration of the 11 FCC space groups along with the FCT and Tetragonal space groups.The fascination that these structures have provoked is fueled by the vast predicted applications encompassing nearly all known scientific disciplines. One does not have to venture far to realize the potential held for the telecommunication industry such as dense wavelength multiplexers, high efficiency lasers, lasers of previously unavailable wavelengths, super continuum sources, flat lenses, superprisms, lossless waveguides, and resonant cavities to mention a few. Developments of these devices would progress the advancement of technologies such as optical storage, drug delivery systems, and advanced imaging. Some have even compared the discovery of these materials to the revolution achieved by the semiconductor industry with the advent of controllable electronic band gaps.
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