Enhanced transmission capacity through a specialty multi-channel topological optical fiber

Abstract

We propose a multi-channel specialty topological fiber based on 1D periodic geometry which supports three coexisting and non-interacting topologically-protected robust light states in the mid-infrared wavelength range. Each channel comprises two topologically-distinct 1D periodic lattices that are characterized by the topological invariant, Zak phase. The interface between the trivial and the nontrivial lattices is made unconventional to provide a strong transverse confinement of the light state. Moreover, the observed multiple interface states exhibit robust simultaneous transmission of light through all the channels keeping in contact with each other with an inter-channel cross-talk of ∼−27 dB. Such highly stable, scatter-free, and robust interface states have the potential to increase the transmission capacity of the existing optical communication channels, and can eventually be utilized as an alternative platform via the space-division multiplexing schemes.