Frequency-Domain Berry Curvature Effect on Time Refraction

Area of Science:

• Photonics
• Quantum Optics
• Condensed Matter Physics

Background:

• The wave function of photons in optical systems typically follows standard eigenvalue equations.
• Frequency dispersion in dielectric functions is a known property of optical materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the existence of frequency-domain Berry curvature in photon wave functions.
• To explore the implications of this Berry curvature in dispersive optical systems.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of Maxwell's equations in dispersive media, treating them as nonstandard eigenvalue equations.
• Investigating the effect of Berry curvature on magnetoplasmon-polaritons.

Main Results:

• Existence of frequency-domain Berry curvature in photon wave functions.
• Demonstration that this curvature arises from frequency dispersion of the dielectric function.
• Observation of induced deflection and swinging in photon trajectories (time refraction).

Conclusions:

• Frequency-domain Berry curvature is a novel property in dispersive optical systems.
• This curvature can significantly alter photon trajectories, impacting phenomena like time refraction.