Möbius Strip Microlasers: A Testbed for Non-Euclidean Photonics

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Theoretical Physics

Background:

• Möbius strips possess unique topological properties, including a single nonorientable surface and boundary.
• Microlasers are crucial optical devices for various applications.
• Conventional microlasers often utilize ring or disk resonators to support whispering gallery modes (WGM).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the optical resonance properties of Möbius strip microlasers.
• To determine if Möbius strip cavities can sustain whispering gallery modes (WGM).
• To compare experimental findings with theoretical simulations for understanding resonance localization.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of high-quality Möbius strip microlasers using direct laser writing.
• Experimental characterization of optical resonances.
• Three-dimensional finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations.

Main Results:

• Möbius strip microlasers were successfully fabricated with high optical quality.
• Evidence suggests Möbius strip cavities cannot sustain whispering gallery modes (WGM).
• Experimental and simulation results indicate resonances are localized on periodic geodesics.

Conclusions:

• The non-trivial topology of Möbius strips fundamentally alters optical resonance behavior compared to conventional resonators.
• Resonances in Möbius strip microlasers are governed by periodic geodesics, not WGMs.
• This study opens new avenues for designing novel optical cavities with unique topological constraints.