Topological Singularities and Edge-State Coupling Enable Robust on-Chip Slow Light

Area of Science:

• Quantum optics
• Topological physics
• Nanophotonics

Background:

• Quantum interference (QI) enables advanced optical responses like slow light but is sensitive to environmental changes.
• Existing methods for controlling optical responses face challenges in practical, robust on-chip applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally demonstrate a topological QI-like effect for robust slow light on a 1D on-chip system.
• To investigate topological mechanisms that enhance immunity to parameter deviations and structural disturbances.

Main Methods:

• Inducing two distinct topological mechanisms within a composite waveguide.
• Incorporating bright and dark topological edge states.
• Observing electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) and measuring transmission and group delays.

Main Results:

• Achieved the first experimental demonstration of a topological QI-like effect in a 1D on-chip system.
• Demonstrated robustness of slow light against parameter deviations and structural disturbances using topological charges and edge states.
• Observed EIT and successfully switched between slow and fast light propagation.

Conclusions:

• The developed topological QI platform offers robustness for on-chip optical devices.
• This work opens avenues for exploring novel QI and topological physics in integrated systems.
• Provides a foundation for developing next-generation robust on-chip optical devices.