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Measurement-induced photonic topological insulators
Quancheng Liu1, Weijie Liu1, Yuechen Jia1
1School of Physics, State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250100, China.
Science Advances
|July 18, 2025
Summary
Researchers dynamically modified topological order in photonic lattices using repeated measurements. This study reveals measurements as a universal control tool for tailoring topological properties in photonic systems.
Area of Science:
- Photonics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Condensed Matter Physics
Background:
- Topological order in photonics is typically static, defined by pseudo-spin.
- Quantum measurements inherently alter system states.
- The interplay between measurement and topology in photonics is an underexplored area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamic modification of topological order in photonic systems.
- To explore the use of repeated measurements as a tool for controlling topological properties.
- To establish a platform for simulating measurement backaction in photonic lattices.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a photonic lattice using contiguous waveguides and 16,800 appended waveguide segments.
- Establishment of a classical-wave platform to simulate measurement backaction.
- Experimental validation of measurement-induced topological order and universal lattice control.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated dynamic modification of topological order through repeated measurements.
- Observed measurement-induced topological order in photonic lattices.
- Showcased universal control of the photonic lattice by tailoring its Hilbert space via measurements.
Conclusions:
- Topological order in photonics can be dynamically controlled by measurements.
- Measurements serve as a universal tool for controlling photonic lattice properties.
- This research paves the way for on-chip topological materials and measurement-induced photonic control.
