Topological insulator-based nonlinear optical effects and functional devices

Abstract

Topological insulators (TIs) are a new type of electronic material with the insulating bulk state and topologically protected conducting surface/edge state. TI materials exhibiting outstanding optical properties containing high carrier mobility, ultrahigh refractive index, wide operating spectral range, and dynamic tunability play an important role in optical functional devices. Especially, the TI materials with special topological energy bands possess high nonlinear optical coefficient, superior to conventional semiconductor and two-dimensional materials. The nonlinear optical characters of TIs are expected to realize highly efficient nonlinear optical conversion, nonlinear absorption, and all-optical switching, terahertz emission. TIs will provide a new platform for the interaction between light and matter as well as the development of nonlinear optics. In this review, we conclude current advances about some research on TI-based nonlinear optical effects and related devices, and give a prospect of potential applications for TIs in nonlinear optics.