Abstract
An all-Si photonic structure emulating the quantum-valley-Hall effect is proposed. We show that it acts as a photonic topological insulator (PTI), and that an interface between two such PTIs can support edge states that are free from scattering. The conservation of the valley degree of freedom enables efficient in- and out-coupling of light between the free space and the photonic structure. The topological protection of the edge waves can be utilized for designing arrays of resonant time-delay photonic cavities that do not suffer from reflections and cross-talk.
Highlights
The discovery of topological phases of light has been one of the most exciting developments in photonics [ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] in the past decade
One potential application of Photonic topological insulators (PTI) is to utilize the reflectionsfree propagation of topologically protected edge waves (TPEWs) that exist either at the PTI’s edge [ 3, 4, 5] or at the interface between two different PTIs [ 6, 7, 10] for developing robust optical delay lines for large-scale photonic integrations
Metallic metamaterials comprised of split-ring resonators [ 6] and meta-waveguides comprised of an array of metal rods attached to one of the two confining metal plates [ 10, 21] have been used to emulate the binary spin degrees of freedom (DOF) by ensuring that the two polarization states of light, the transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes, propagate with the same speed
Summary
The discovery of topological phases of light has been one of the most exciting developments in photonics [ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] in the past decade. As we show in this work, just a single (TE) polarization of the photonic modes is needed for constructing the valley DOF in a fairly simple photonic structure shown in Fig.1(b), where, by breaking the inversion symmetry of a unit cell, a controllable bandgap separating different topological phases of propagating light can be achieved.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
