  The phase, amplitude, speed, and polarization, in addition to many other
properties of light, can be modulated by photonic Bragg structures. In
conjunction with nonlinearity and quantum effects, a variety of ensuing micro-
or nano-photonic applications can be realized. This paper reviews various
optical phenomena in several exemplary 1D Bragg gratings. Important examples
are resonantly absorbing photonic structures, chirped Bragg grating, and
cholesteric liquid crystals; their unique operation capabilities and key issues
are considered in detail. These Bragg structures are expected to be used in
wide-spread applications involving light field modulations, especially in the
rapidly advancing field of ultrafast optical signal processing.
