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Floquet higher-order topological states induced by driving on-site potentials
Optics Express
|June 11, 2026
Summary
We introduce a new method for creating Floquet higher-order topological insulators using only on-site potential modulations. This approach enables robust Floquet topological corner states in photonic lattices, offering a simpler experimental realization.
Area of Science:
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Topological Matter
- Photonics
Background:
- Higher-order topological insulators (HOTIs) expand topological phases of matter.
- Floquet driving enriches topological phases.
- Existing HOTI platforms often require complex engineered coupling designs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel model for Floquet higher-order topological insulators (FHOTIs).
- To demonstrate FHOTIs using only periodic on-site potential modulations.
- To realize and characterize these states in a photonic lattice.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of a system with periodic on-site potential modulations.
- Implementation in a photonic lattice system.
- Characterization of Floquet topological corner states and their robustness.
Main Results:
- Emergence of Floquet topological corner states.
- Robust localization of corner states under spatiotemporal disorder.
- Demonstration of experimental feasibility in a photonic system.
Conclusions:
- A simple and experimentally feasible route to achieve Floquet higher-order topological states is established.
- On-site potential modulations offer an alternative to engineered coupling designs.
- The proposed system provides a platform for studying robust topological phenomena.
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