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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

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Published on: May 29, 2014
Nontrivial Bloch oscillations in waveguide arrays with second-order coupling.
Gang Wang1, Ji Ping Huang, Kin Wah Yu
1Department of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Surface Physics, and Key Laboratory of Micro and NanoPhotonic Structures (Ministry of Education), Fudan University, Shanghai, China. 071019009@fudan.edu.cn
Bloch oscillations in zigzag waveguide arrays show unique patterns due to enhanced second-order coupling (SOC). The study reveals a double turning-back phenomenon in oscillation patterns, differing from vanishing SOC behavior.
Area of Science:
- Condensed matter physics
- Photonics
- Waveguide optics
Background:
- Bloch oscillations are fundamental phenomena in periodic potentials.
- Waveguide arrays offer a platform for simulating quantum phenomena.
- Next-nearest-neighbor interactions can significantly alter lattice dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To theoretically investigate Bloch oscillations in zigzag waveguide arrays.
- To explore the influence of enhanced second-order coupling (SOC) on oscillation patterns.
- To understand the topological effects on band structure and beam dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of Bloch oscillations.
- Analysis of waveguide arrays with next-nearest-neighbor interactions.
- Investigation of second-order coupling (SOC) effects on band structure.
Main Results:
- Enhanced SOC in zigzag lattices leads to band alteration beyond nearest-neighbor models.
- A double turning-back phenomenon in oscillation patterns is observed as the beam approaches the band edge.
- The topological configuration of the lattice significantly influences SOC and band properties.
Conclusions:
- Zigzag waveguide arrays exhibit distinct Bloch oscillation dynamics under enhanced SOC.
- The observed double turning-back offers new insights into beam propagation in topological lattices.
- Findings are applicable to other ordered-lattice systems with similar coupling characteristics.
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