Topological Switching Research Articles

Spectroscopic Evidence of Ultrafast Topological Phase Transition by Light-Driven Strain.

Enabling reversible control over the topological invariants, transitioning them from nontrivial to trivial states, has fundamental implications for quantum information processing and spintronics. It offers a promising avenue for establishing an efficient on/off switch mechanism for robust and dissipationless spin-currents. While mechanical strain has traditionally been advantageous for such manipulation of topological invariants, it often comes with the drawback of in-plane fractures, rendering it unsuitable for high-speed, time-dependent operations. This study employs ultrafast optical and THz spectroscopy to explore topological phase transitions induced by light-driven strain in Bi2Se3. Bi2Se3 requires substantial strain for Z2 switching. Our observations provide experimental evidence of ultrafast switching behavior, demonstrating a transition from a topological insulator with spin-momentum-locked surfaces to hybridized states and normal insulating phases under ambient conditions. Notably, applying light-induced strong out-of-plane strain effectively suppresses surface-bulk coupling, facilitating the differentiation of surface and bulk conductance even at room temperature─significantly surpassing the Debye temperature. We expect various time-dependent sequences of transient hybridization and manipulation of topological invariant through photoexcitation intensity adjustments. The sudden surface and bulk transport alterations near the transition point enable coherent conductance modulation at hypersound frequencies. Our findings on the potential of light-triggered ultrafast switching of topological invariants hold promise for high-speed topological switching and its related applications.

Photonic crystal topological interface state modulation for nonvolatile optical switching

Phase change materials (PCMs), characterized by high optical contrast (Δn>1), nonvolatility (zero static power consumption), and quick phase change speed (∼ns), provide new opportunities for building low-power and highly integrated photonic tunable devices. Optical integrated devices based on PCMs, such as optical switches and optical routers, have demonstrated significant advantages in terms of modulation energy consumption and integration. In this paper, we theoretically verify the solution for a highly integrated nonvolatile optical switch based on the modulation of the topological interface state (TIS) in the quasi-one-dimensional photonic crystal (quasi-1D PC). The TIS exciting wavelength changes with the crystalline level of the PCM. The extinction ratio (ER) of the topological optical switch is over 18 dB with a modulation length of 9 μm. Meanwhile, the insertion loss (IL) can be controlled within 2 dB. Furthermore, we have analyzed the impact of fabrication errors on the device’s performance. The obtained results show that, the topological optical switch, which changes its “on/off” state by modulating TIS, exhibits enhanced robustness to the fabrication process. We provide an interesting and highly integrated scheme for designing the on-chip nonvolatile optical switch. It offers great potential for designing highly integrated on-chip optical switch arrays and nonvolatile optical neural networks.

Axion topology in photonic crystal domain walls

Axion insulators are 3D magnetic topological insulators supporting hinge states and quantized magnetoelectric effects, recently proposed for detecting dark-matter axionic particles via their axionic excitations. Beyond theoretical interest, obtaining a photonic counterpart of axion insulators offers potential for advancing magnetically-tunable photonic devices and axion haloscopes based on axion-photon conversion. This work proposes an axionic 3D phase within a photonic setup. By building inversion-symmetric domain-walls in gyrotropic photonic crystals, we bind chiral modes on inversion-related hinges, ultimately leading to the realization of an axionic channel of light. These states propagate embedded in a 3D structure, thus protected from radiation in the continuum. Employing a small external gyromagnetic bias, we transition across different axionic mode configurations, enabling effective topological switching of chiral photonic fibers. While demonstrating the possibility of realizing axion photonic crystals within state-of-the-art gyrotropic setups, we propose a general scheme for rendering axion topology at domain walls of Weyl semimetals.

High-temperature quantum valley Hall effect with quantized resistance and a topological switch.

Edge states of a topological insulator can be used to explore fundamental science emerging at the interface of low dimensionality and topology. Achieving a robust conductance quantization, however, has proven challenging for helical edge states. In this work, we show wide resistance plateaus in kink states-a manifestation of the quantum valley Hall effect in Bernal bilayer graphene-quantized to the predicted value at zero magnetic field. The plateau resistance has a very weak temperature dependence up to 50 kelvin and is flat within a dc bias window of tens of millivolts. We demonstrate the electrical operation of a topology-controlled switch with an on/off ratio of 200. These results demonstrate the robustness and tunability of the kink states and its promise in constructing electron quantum optics devices.

Topological Phase and Tunable Quantum State Transfer of Su–Schrieffer–Heeger Chain with an Embedded Quantum Ring

AbstractAn extended Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) model consisting of an SSH chain with an embedded quantum ring (QR) is investigated. In the case of two SSH chains with a symmetric distribution with respect to QR, by calculating the real‐space winding number and energy spectrum, the hopping amplitude‐induced topological phase is discovered. The probability distributions of gap states and the relationship between energy and magnetic flux prove the existence of the Aharonov–Bohm effect in the QR. Moreover, in the case of asymmetric distribution, the model possesses a zero‐energy mode within the energy gap, and it is found that it can realize quantum state transfer. By adjusting the connection site between the right SSH chain and QR, the direction of the output port can be flexibly engineered. Furthermore, it is shown that high‐fidelity quantum state transfer can still be achieved with the increasing of the system size. The tunable quantum state transfer based on the zero‐energy mode can be equivalent to a topological tunable directional switch with properties of non‐directional transfer. This work provides an approach for studying topological phase transition and tunable topological devices in an SSH chain with an embedded QR.

Topological Quantum Switching Enabled Neuroelectronic Synaptic Modulators for Brain Computer Interface.

Aging and genetic-related disorders in the human brain lead to impairment of daily cognitive functions. Due to their neural synaptic complexity and the current limits of knowledge, reversing these disorders remains a substantial challenge for brain-computer interfaces (BCI). In this work, a solution is provided to potentially override aging and neurological disorder-related cognitive function loss in the human brain through the application of the authors' quantum synaptic device. To illustrate this point, a quantum topological insulator (QTI) Bi2Se2Te-based synaptic neuroelectronic device, where the electric field-induced tunable topological surface edge states and quantum switching properties make them a premier option for establishing artificial synaptic neuromodulation approaches, is designed and developed. Leveraging these unique quantum synaptic properties, the developed synaptic device provides the capability to neuromodulate distorted neural signals, leading to the reversal of age-related disorders via BCI. With the synaptic neuroelectronic characteristics of this device, excellent efficacy in treating cognitive neural dysfunctions through modulated neuromorphic stimuli is demonstrated. As a proof of concept, real-time neuromodulation of electroencephalogram (EEG) deduced distorted event-related potentials (ERP) is demonstrated by modulation of the synaptic device array.

Switching of topological phase and topological channel via asymmetric hopping modulations in a one-dimensional superconducting circuit lattice

We propose a theoretical scheme for a one-dimensional superconducting circuit lattice system to achieve that topological phase transition and topological multi-channel transfer, which is adjusted by the asymmetric hopping modulations. The system consists of an array of coupled superconducting microwave cavities, the hopping between its can be modulated by the qubits. Here, we explore topological stages by introducing parameters to expand the hopping modulation range. We found that the energy bands in the system exhibit different structural characteristics, which can achieve topological phase switching. Meanwhile, the edge modes can undergo a flipping process, which can not only realize dual-channel topological quantum information transfer, but also can achieve four-channel. Furthermore, it is noted that the defect can induce new topological phases, which can be optimized by adjusting the hopping parameters, while disorder can only cause band fluctuations and inversions, but does not change the position and period of edge states, verifying that the edge state transport is robust. The results obtained in this work can be applied to the storage and transmission of quantum information, and have a guiding role in the future development of quantum technology.

A pH-Responsive Topological Switch Based on a DNA Quadruplex-Duplex Hybrid.

A guanine-rich oligonucleotide based on a human telomeric sequence but with the first three-nucleotide intervening stretch replaced by a putative 15-nucleotide hairpin-forming sequence shows a pH-dependent folding into different quadruplex-duplex hybrids in a potassium containing buffer. At slightly acidic pH, the quadruplex domain adopts a chair-type conformation. Upon increasing the pH, a transition with a midpoint close to neutral pH to a major and minor (3+1) hybrid topology with either a coaxially stacked or orthogonally oriented duplex stem-loop occurs. NMR-derived high-resolution structures reveal that an adenine protonation is prerequisite for the formation of a non-canonical base quartet, capping the outer G-tetrad at the quadruplex-duplex interface and stabilizing the antiparallel chair conformation in an acidic environment. Being directly associated with interactions at the quadruplex-duplex interface, this unique pH-dependent topological transition is fully reversible. Coupled with a conformation-sensitive optical readout demonstrated as a proof of concept using the fluorescent dye thiazole orange, the present quadruplex-duplex hybrid architecture represents a potentially valuable pH-sensing system responsive in a physiological pH range of 7±1.

Photonic Floquet Skin-Topological Effect.

Non-Hermitian skin effect and photonic topological edge states are of great interest in non-Hermitian physics and optics. However, the interplay between them is largely unexplored. Here, we propose and demonstrate experimentally the non-Hermitian skin effect constructed from the nonreciprocal flow of Floquet topological edge states, which can be dubbed "Floquet skin-topological effect." We first show the non-Hermitian skin effect can be induced by structured loss when the one-dimensional (1D) system is periodically driven. Next, based on a two-dimensional (2D) Floquet topological photonic lattice with structured loss, we investigate the interaction between the non-Hermiticity and the topological edge states. We observe that all the one-way edge states are imposed onto specific corners, featuring both the non-Hermitian skin effect and topological edge states. Furthermore, a topological switch for the skin-topological effect is presented by utilizing the phase-transition mechanism. Our experiment paves the way for realizing non-Hermitian topological effects in nonlinear and quantum regimes.

Local topological switch for boundary states in quantum walks

Local topological switch for boundary states in quantum walks

Finite-Time Bipartite Consensus for Second-Order Nonlinear Multi-Agent Systems Under Random Switching Topologies

In this paper, the finite-time bipartite consensus problem for second-order nonlinear multi-agent systems (MASs) under random switching topologies is studied. Considering the transformation of the existence of communication and the transformation of the cooperation-competition relationship between the follower and the leader, a topological switching based on structural balance is proposed. Through the finite-time control protocol, sufficient conditions are obtained for all agents to achieve the practical finite-time bipartite consensus. Among them, the nonlinear function is approximated using the radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) fitting. Finally, the feasibility of the control protocol is proved by a example.

Topological states switching and group velocity control in two-dimensional non-reciprocal Hermitian photonic lattice

We proposed a model with non reciprocal coupling coefficients, in which the imaginary parts γ indicate the phase delay or exceed term. The distributions of band structure and the group velocity are both characterized as a function of the coupling. we studied the system’s topological states and group velocity control. The results show that the movement and breaking of Dirac points exist in the energy band of the system. By changing the coupling coefficients, the conversion between any topological states corresponds to different Chern number. Topological edge states exist in topological non-trivial systems that correspond to the two different Chern numbers. Besides, it is also found that both the coupling coefficient and the wave vector can cause the oscillation of the pulse group velocity. At the same time, the topological state can suppress the amplitude of the group velocity profiles. Our findings enrich the theory of light wave manipulation in high-dimensional photonic lattices and provide a novel view for realizing linear localization and group velocity regulation of light waves, which has potential application in high-speed optical communication and quantum information fields.

Impact of Ag concentration in As-S-Se chalcogenide on physical, topological and resistive switching properties

Physical properties of quaternary chalcogenide Agx(As40S30Se30)100-x, glasses were analyzed. Synthesis of the studied samples x = 6 - 9 at.% Ag was performed by melt quenching in cascade regime of heating. X-ray diffraction analysis verified amorphous character of the synthesized samples. Morphological characterization was carried out using a scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray mapping. The obtained results show that the density of the system increases upon silver incorporation in the glassy As40S30Se30 matrix, which is manifested through decrease of free volume percentage. Assessment of various physical and topological properties of prepared series of chalcogenide materials was done using theoretical models available in the literature. Specifically, compactness, average coordination number, constraint parameters, cross-linking density, floppy modes, number of lone–pair electrons are analyzed with addition of Ag atoms in the As40S30Se30 matrix. Average single bond energy and the mean bond energy were also discussed. The chemical bond approach model was used to study the cohesive energy of the studied Ag-containing As-S-Se samples. It is found that all studied parameters are dependent upon silver concentrations. Finally, the room-temperature memristive characteristics and compositional dependence on resistive switching properties in a wide range of Ag concentrations were examined in this paper.

Bubble domain evolution in well-ordered BiFeO3 nanocapacitors

Ferroelectric nanocapacitors have attracted intensive research interest due to their novel functionalities and potential application in nanodevices. However, due to the lack of knowledge of domain evolution in isolated nanocapacitors, precise manipulation of topological domain switching in the nanocapacitor is still a challenge. Here, we report unique bubble and cylindrical domains in the well-ordered BiFeO3 nanocapacitor array. The transformation of bubble, cylindrical and mono domains in isolated ferroelectric nanocapacitor has been demonstrated via scanning probe microscopy (SPM). The bubble domain can be erased to mono domain or written to cylindrical domain and mono domain by positive and negative voltage, respectively. Additionally, the domain evolution rules, which are mainly affected by the depolarization field, have been observed in the nanocapacitors with different domain structures. This work will be helpful in understanding the domain evolution in ferroelectric nanocapacitors and providing guidance on the manipulation of nanoscale topological domains.

Selective activation of topological valley corner states in C3-symmetric photonic crystals

Higher-order topological insulators have drawn great research attention in nanophotonics due to their ability to both support robust edge states and lower dimensional corner states. In this work, we present a theoretical proposal for achieving topologically switchable and valley-selective corner states based on two-dimensional C3-symmetric photonic crystals (PCs), with breaking of inversion symmetry. Through the concatenation of two valley PCs with contrasting topological indices, we demonstrate the emergence of two types of valley-locked chiral topological edge states resulting from the valley–valley interaction. More importantly, we find that the system exhibits two distinct types of corner states, characterized by strong robustness and high localization, when the PCs are spliced at a 60° angle. However, the corner states are absent when the splicing angle is set as 120°. According to the theoretical analysis, the selective activation of topological valley corner states is related to the sign flip of valley Chern number at the corner. Based on this feature, we further propose a topological photonic switching device, in which the corner can be lighted up or off selectively. By combining the benefits of higher-order topology and valley degree of freedom, our work provides an efficient and flexible method for light manipulation.

Topological Dirac Spin‐Gapless Materials ‐ a New Horizon for Topological Spintronics Without Spin‐Orbit Interaction

AbstractThe existence of chiral edge states (CES), corresponding to nontrivial bulk‐band topology characterized by a non‐vanishing topological invariant, and the manipulation of topological transport via CES promise topological electronic/spintronic device applications. This study predicts the existence, practical realization, topological protection, and topological switching of spin‐gapless valley‐filtered chiral edge states (SG‐VF‐CES), representing a novel topological Dirac spin‐gapless/half‐metal phase in antiferromagnetic honeycomb structures terminated on zigzag edges. It demonstrates that this phenomenon is realizable if a perpendicular (transverse) electric field is applied in zigzag nanoribbons with an antiferromagnetic ordering on the boundary (in the bulk), and the Weber‐Fechner type nonlinear behavior is optimizable by a transverse (perpendicular) electric field. The existence of SG‐VF‐CES, their correspondence with nontrivial topological character in the bulk, and electric‐field‐driven switching of their spin‐polarization that is accompanied by switching of bulk‐band topology promise a new strategy for topological spintronics without spin‐orbit interaction (SOI).

Controllable excitation transmission and topological switch based on an imaginary topological channel in a non-Hermitian Su-Schrieffer-Heeger chain

Controllable excitation transmission and topological switch based on an imaginary topological channel in a non-Hermitian Su-Schrieffer-Heeger chain

Fast Electrically Switchable Large Gap Quantum Spin Hall States in MGe2Z4

AbstractSpin‐polarized conducting edge currents counterpropagate in quantum spin Hall (QSH) insulators and are protected against disorder‐driven localizations by the time‐reversal symmetry. Using these spin‐currents for device applications requires materials with a large bandgap and fast switchable QSH states. By means of in‐depth first‐principles calculations, this study demonstrates the large bandgap and fast switchable QSH state in a newly introduced 2D material family with 1T′‐MGe2Z4 (M = Mo or W and Z = P or As). These Ge‐based compounds show superior properties with respect to other members of the same family. For the WGe2As4 monolayer it can stabilize the 1T′‐phase, while for the other members of the family, this study needs an appropriate strain. The dynamically stable 1T′‐MGe2Z4 monolayers have a large energy gap up to 237 meV for WGe2As4. These materials undergo a phase transition from a QSH insulator to a trivial insulator with a Rashba‐like spin splitting under the influence of an out‐of‐plane electric field, demonstrating a fast tunability of the bandgap and its band topology for the Ge‐based compounds. Fast topological phase switching in a large gap 1T′‐MGe2Z4 QSH insulators have potential applications in low‐power devices, quantum computation, and quantum communication.

Engineering of An Aptamer-Functionalized Fluorescent DNA Sensor for Cu(II) Responding in Living Tumor Cells.

Copper ions play vital roles in regulating life processes and being closely involved in several diseases such as cancer. Although detection methods based on fluorescent sensors or other strategies have been developed, it still remains a challenge to simultaneously realize the convenience, specificity, and accuracy in intracellular copper ion analysis. Herein, we propose an aptamer-functionalized DNA fluorescent sensor (AFDS) for accurate and specific detection of Cu(II) both in vitro and in cells by engineering the linkage of two DNA aptamers, namely, Lettuce aptamer and AS1411 aptamer, to achieve the manner of recognition response. Taking advantage of the functions of each aptamer, the tumor cell recognition capability and the high-contrast detection performance are simultaneously equipped in the AFDS. Furthermore, the AFDS shows high specificity and selectivity in Cu(II) response to avoid interference from common metal ions, chelators, and reactants by being associated with the irreversible interaction between nucleobases and Cu(II), which can destroy the topological structures and switch off the fluorescence of the AFDS. It also enables a sensitive in vitro detection of Cu(II) with a detection limit as lower as 0.1 μM and a wide detection linear range from 0.1 to 300 μM. The feasibility and superiority of the AFDS provide an opportunity to reveal both concentration-dependent and time-dependent intracellular Cu(II) responses in living cells. Therefore, the AFDS has achieved the novel detection performance of Cu(II) to exhibit great potential in exploring copper-related biological and pathological research.

Switching between 3D Surface Topographies in Liquid Crystal Elastomer Coatings Using Two-Step Imprint Lithography.

While dynamic surface topographies are fabricated using liquid crystal (LC) polymers, switching between two distinct 3D topographies remains challenging. In this work, two switchable 3D surface topographies are created in LC elastomer (LCE) coatings using a two-step imprint lithography process. A first imprinting creates a surface microstructure on the LCE coating which is polymerized by a base catalyzed partial thiol-acrylate crosslinking step. The structured coating is then imprinted with a second mold to program the second topography, which is subsequently fully polymerized by light. The resulting LCE coatings display reversible surface switching between the two programmed 3D states. By varying the molds used during the two imprinting steps, diverse dynamic topographies can be achieved. For example, by using grating and rough molds sequentially, switchable surface topographies between a random scatterer and an ordered diffractor are achieved. Additionally, by using negative and positive triangular prism molds consecutively, dynamic surface topographies switching between two 3D structural states are achieved, driven by differential order/disorder transitions in the different areas of the film. It is anticipated that this platform of dynamic 3D topological switching can be used for many applications, including antifouling and biomedical surfaces, switchable friction elements, tunable optics, and beyond.