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Asymmetric topological pumping in nonparaxial photonics
Qingqing Cheng1, Huaiqiang Wang2,3, Yongguan Ke4,5
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Modern Optical System, School of Optical-Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093, China.
Nature Communications
|January 12, 2022
Summary
We discovered asymmetric topological pumping in nonparaxial optical waveguide arrays, breaking the quantum-optical analogy. This phenomenon allows light transfer in one direction but forbids the reverse, opening new avenues in topological photonics.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Topological Physics
- Quantum Optics
Background:
- Topological photonics draws parallels between quantum mechanics and light propagation.
- The quantum-optical analogy, based on the Schrödinger and paraxial equations, has guided initial research.
- Nonparaxial optical phenomena challenge this established analogy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate topological pumping in nonparaxial optical waveguide arrays.
- To explore phenomena beyond the conventional quantum-optical analogy.
- To demonstrate and theoretically predict asymmetric topological pumping.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical prediction of light propagation in nonparaxial waveguide arrays.
- Experimental demonstration of topological pumping.
- Analysis of field transfer dynamics in waveguide arrays.
Main Results:
- Observed an unexpected asymmetric topological pumping.
- Demonstrated unidirectional field transfer in waveguide arrays.
- Showcased the invalidity of the quantum-optical analogy in nonparaxial systems.
Conclusions:
- Nonparaxiality introduces novel topological phenomena in photonics.
- Asymmetric topological pumping offers new design principles.
- Findings pave the way for advanced topological photonic devices.
