Parity-Time-Symmetric Whispering-Gallery Microcavities
Abstract
Optical systems combining balanced loss and gain provide a unique platform to implement classical analogues ofquantum systems described by non-Hermitian parity-time (PT)-symmetric Hamiltonians. Such systems can be usedto create synthetic materials with properties that cannot be attained in materials having only loss or only gain. Herewe report PT-symmetry breaking in coupled optical resonators. We observed non-reciprocity in the PT-symmetrybreakingphase due to strong field localization, which significantly enhances nonlinearity. In the linear regime, lighttransmission is reciprocal regardless of whether the symmetry is broken or unbroken. We show that in one directionthere is a complete absence of resonance peaks whereas in the other direction the transmission is resonantlyenhanced, a feature directly associated with the use of resonant structures. Our results could lead to a new generationof synthetic optical systems enabling on-chip manipulation and control of light propagation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 06, 2014
- Accession Number
- AD1020510
Entities
People
- Bo Peng
- Carl M. Bender
- Faraz Monifi
- Franco Nori
- Fuchuan Lei
- Gui L. Long
- Lan Yang
- Mariagiovanna Gianfreda
- Sahin K. Ozdemir
- Shanhui Fan
Organizations
- University of Washington