Topological insulator laser: Theory

Abstract

Ideas based on topology, initially developed in mathematics to describe the properties of geometric space under deformations, are now finding application in materials, electronics, and optics. The main driver is topological protection, a property that provides stability to a system even in the presence of defects. Harari et al. outline a theoretical proposal that carries such ideas over to geometrically designed laser cavities. The lasing mode is confined to the topological edge state of the cavity structure. Bandres et al. implemented those ideas to fabricate a topological insulator laser with an array of ring resonators. The results demonstrate a powerful platform for developing new laser systems.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Mar 16, 2018
Source ID
10.1126/science.aar4003

Entities

People

  • Demetrios N. Christodoulides
  • Gal Harari
  • Mercedeh Khajavikhan
  • Miguel A Bandres
  • Mikael C Rechtsman
  • Mordechai Segev
  • Yaakov Lumer
  • Yidong Chong

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
  • Army Research Office
  • Israel Science Foundation
  • Nanyang Technological University
  • National Science Foundation
  • Office of Naval Research
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • Pittsburgh Foundation
  • University of Central Florida
  • University of Pennsylvania

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Quantum Dot Semiconductor Device Photonics and Graphene Optoelectronic Materials and THz Physics.
  • Structural Dynamics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Graphene
  • Space