Electrically controlled topological interface modes in graphene-based photonic superlattices

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Topological interface modes offer unique properties for wave manipulation.
• Graphene's tunable electronic properties make it a promising material for dynamic control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate electrical control of topological interface modes.
• To investigate the role of graphene's permittivity in the emergence and tuning of these modes.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of graphene-based metallodielectric superlattices.
• Electrical gating to tune graphene's permittivity.
• Theoretical analysis of permittivity-averaged superlattices and Dirac point emergence.

Main Results:

• Dynamically controlled topological interface modes via electrical gating of graphene.
• Emergence and vanishing of modes linked to the sign of averaged permittivity and Dirac point formation.
• Propagation constant of modes decreases with increasing graphene chemical potential.

Conclusions:

• Electrical control of topological interface modes is achievable in graphene photonic superlattices.
• The findings provide physical insights into topological phase transitions.
• This work presents a promising avenue for dynamic control of topological phenomena.