On-chip amorphous terahertz topological photonic interconnects.

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Integrated Optics

Background:

• Valley Hall photonic crystals (VPCs) are promising for topological waveguides in terahertz integrated circuits.
• Traditional VPC designs are limited to specific bend angles (0°, 60°, 120°) due to crystalline symmetry, hindering arbitrary interconnects.
• Lack of arbitrary bend interconnects is a key limitation for terahertz-scale integrated VPC devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an on-chip, all-silicon implementation of deformed VPCs enabling robust transmission along arbitrary shapes and bends.
• To demonstrate the functionality of amorphous topological photonic crystals as frequency-dependent routers.
• To showcase on-chip terahertz communication using these novel photonic structures.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of deformed Valley Hall photonic crystals in an all-silicon platform.
• Utilizing short-range order to sustain topological protection in amorphous lattices.
• Demonstration of frequency-dependent routing and terahertz communication.

Main Results:

• Robust light transmission achieved along arbitrary shapes and bends using deformed VPCs.
• Amorphous topological photonic crystals function as frequency-dependent routers, splitting signals into perpendicular ports.
• Successful on-chip terahertz communication demonstrated with data rates up to 72 Gbps.

Conclusions:

• Amorphous topological photonic crystals enhance interconnect adaptability in terahertz integrated circuits.
• Topological protection is maintained in amorphous lattices through short-range order.
• The developed technology offers a promising pathway for advanced terahertz photonic integrated circuits with improved performance and flexibility.