Dynamic realization of emergent high-dimensional optical vortices

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Topological Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Vortical structures are key for information processing and turbulence control.
• Extending vortical structures beyond 2D offers enhanced complexity and robustness.
• Natural materials typically do not support high-dimensional vortical structures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally demonstrate high-dimensional vortical structures in a novel optical system.
• To explore topological interactions across multiple dimensions using optical coupling.
• To investigate the potential for emulating high-dimensional physics and developing active topological photonic devices.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a high-dimensional gradient thickness optical cavity (GTOC).
• Employed optical coupling of planar metal-dielectric multilayers for topological interactions.
• Observed emergent high-dimensional vortical structures via electro-optic tomography.

Main Results:

• Successfully induced high-dimensional vortical structures (3D, 4D, and beyond) in generalized parameter space.
• Demonstrated optical vortex dynamics in 2D real-space using optical thicknesses as synthetic dimensions.
• Confirmed the implementation of topological interactions across multiple dimensions within the GTOC.

Conclusions:

• The GTOC provides a novel platform for generating and studying high-dimensional vortical structures.
• Findings pave the way for emulating complex high-dimensional physics in a controlled laboratory setting.
• The research holds significant promise for the development of advanced active topological photonic devices.