Photonic-crystal-based high-performance ring resonator using a topological interface state: design and analysis

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Photonic systems often face transmission dropouts when quality factor is enhanced.
• Topological edge states offer unique light propagation properties, moving without backscattering.
• Conventional methods struggle to balance high quality factors with signal integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel photonic crystal ring resonator design.
• To enhance the quality factor (Q-factor) of photonic devices.
• To support and utilize two-dimensionally bounded topological edge states for improved light manipulation.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) numerical simulations.
• Designing crystal parameters to leverage topological properties of photonic crystals.
• Creating topological edge states at the interface of dissimilar band topologies within a dielectric slab.

Main Results:

• Achieved an enhanced quality factor by employing topological properties.
• Successfully eliminated the transmission dropout issue common in conventional systems.
• Demonstrated the robust propagation of topological edge states along sharp edges without backscattering.

Conclusions:

• The proposed photonic crystal ring resonator effectively enhances quality factor while mitigating transmission dropouts.
• The design supports two-dimensionally bounded topological edge states, crucial for robust light propagation.
• These nanoscale structures facilitate strong interactions between quantum emitters and photonic edge states, opening avenues for advanced quantum technologies.