Résumé
We present the concept of graded photonic crystals (GPC) and show its ability to enhance the control of light propagation. It is shown that gradual modifications of photonic crystal parameters are able to curve the path of light. This light bending which depends on the wavelength and on the incident angle is examined through parametric studies of the iso-frequency curves. We demonstrate that photonic mirages originate from the same physical principles as the usual atmospheric mirages. Two optical components based on two-dimensional GPCs presenting a super bending effect and a large beam shifting are presented.