Liquid-crystal-based topological photonics
Abstract
Liquid crystals are complex fluids that combine a unique ability to manipulate light with the reconfigurability of soft materials. They are at the core of modern display technology. Here, we suggest that nematic liquid crystals can also be used as building blocks of topological materials key to realize protected unidirectional waveguides, sensors, and lasers. Building on recent advances in liquid-crystal technology, we propose that suitable spatial modulations of the nematic director field are sufficient to assemble topological photonic materials. These ideas pave the way for fully reconfigurable photonic devices based on topologically protected states.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Jan 20, 2021
- Source ID
- 10.1073/pnas.2020525118
Entities
People
- Hamed Abbaszadeh
- Michel Fruchart
- Vincenzo Vitelli
- Wim van Saarloos
Organizations
- Army Research Office
- Dutch Research Council
- Leiden University
- National Science Foundation
- Simons Foundation
- University of Chicago