Dispersionless Coupling among Optical Waveguides by Artificial Gauge Field.

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Integrated Optics
• Waveguide Technology

Background:

• Waveguide coupling is crucial for optical routing and integration.
• Existing coupling methods are often sensitive to wavelength and structure, limiting broadband and robust functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer coupling dispersion for broadband and robust waveguide coupling.
• To introduce a novel strategy using artificial gauge fields (AGF) to achieve dispersionless coupling.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing an artificial gauge field (AGF) to engineer coupling dispersion.
• Implementing periodically bending modulation in waveguides.
• Experimental verification on a silicon waveguide platform.

Main Results:

• Achieved dispersionless coupling among waveguides using AGF.
• Demonstrated broadband and robust optical routing functions.
• Showcased a three-level-cascaded AGF waveguide network for efficient light routing.

Conclusions:

• The AGF strategy offers a new route for controlling coupling dispersion.
• This method significantly enhances broadband and robust performance in waveguide coupling.
• Potential applications in advanced integrated photonics and optical routing.