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Determination of the Excitation and Coupling Rates Between Light Emitters and Surface Plasmon Polaritons
Published on: July 21, 2018
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Bistable Topological Insulator with Exciton-Polaritons
Yaroslav V Kartashov1,2,3, Dmitry V Skryabin1,4
1Department of Physics, University of Bath, BA2 7AY, Bath, United Kingdom.
Physical Review Letters
|January 6, 2018
Summary
Researchers demonstrate optical bistability in topological edge states using microcavity exciton-polaritons. They controlled the propagation direction of light in a honeycomb lattice, advancing topological photonics applications.
Area of Science:
- Nonlinear optics
- Quantum optics
- Condensed matter physics
Background:
- Optical bistability is crucial for nonlinear and quantum optical devices.
- Microcavity exciton-polaritons offer a platform for exploring exotic optical phenomena.
- Topological edge states exhibit unique propagation properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the resonance response and optical bistability of topological edge states.
- To explore the control of light propagation in a honeycomb lattice of microcavity pillars.
- To advance the development of practical topological photonic devices.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing microcavity exciton-polaritons arranged in a honeycomb lattice.
- Analyzing the resonance response and bistability of topological edge states.
- Tuning pump photon energy and polarization to control edge state propagation.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated optical bistability in topological edge states.
- Achieved dynamical stability by balancing pump, loss, and nonlinearity.
- Controlled the power distribution between counterpropagating states.
- Successfully tuned the propagation direction of the dominant edge state by adjusting pump photon properties.
Conclusions:
- The study showcases the potential of microcavity exciton-polaritons for realizing optical bistability in topological edge states.
- Precise control over light propagation direction was achieved, paving the way for novel photonic devices.
- These findings contribute to the practical application of topological photonics.
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