Topological cavity laser with valley edge states

Area of Science:

• Photonics and Materials Science
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Optical Engineering

Background:

• Topological edge states (ES) offer robust, unidirectional light propagation, immune to defects.
• These states are promising for designing advanced optical devices like lasers.
• Valley photonic crystals (VPhCs) provide a platform for realizing topological phenomena.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and investigate a topological cavity laser based on topological valley edge states (VES).
• To explore lasing action in a VPhC with a bearded interface at telecommunication wavelengths.
• To assess the quality factors and topological protection of the proposed laser.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a 2D all-dielectric honeycomb lattice VPhC with a bearded interface.
• Construction of a topological cavity utilizing VES.
• Optical pumping of the cavity to study lasing characteristics and quality factors.

Main Results:

• Successful demonstration of a topological cavity laser operating at telecommunication wavelengths.
• Observation of high-quality factors in the optically pumped cavity.
• Validation of topological protection for the edge states within the cavity.

Conclusions:

• The proposed topological cavity laser based on VES shows potential for robust and defect-immune operation.
• This work paves the way for developing ultra-small, topologically protected lasers.
• Findings could advance integrated photonics and optical communication technologies.