Topological scattering singularities and embedded eigenstates for polarization control and sensing applications

Abstract

Epsilon-near-zero and epsilon near-pole materials enable reflective systems supporting a class of symmetry-protected and accidental embedded eigenstates (EEs) characterized by a diverging phase resonance. Here we show that pairs of topologically protected scattering singularities necessarily emerge from EEs when a non-Hermitian parameter is introduced, lifting the degeneracy between oppositely charged singularities. The underlying topological charges are characterized by an integer winding number and appear as phase vortices of the complex reflection coefficient. By creating and annihilating them, we show that these singularities obey charge conservation, and provide versatile control of amplitude, phase, and polarization in reflection, with potential applications for polarization control and sensing.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Jun 28, 2021
Source ID
10.1364/prj.424247

Entities

People

  • Alex Krasnok
  • Andrea Alù
  • Nikolina Janković
  • Zarko Sakotic

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • City University of New York
  • Horizon 2020
  • National Science Foundation
  • Simons Foundation
  • United States Department of Defense
  • University of Novi Sad

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Electromagnetic Wave Scattering and Antenna Radiation Engineering
  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Quantum Dot Semiconductor Device Photonics and Graphene Optoelectronic Materials and THz Physics.