Fragility in Topological Photonics

Abstract

Topological photonics promises to deliver superior devices are that robust against disorders and fabrication imperfections. However, the conventional wisdom of topological robustness fails to hold in practical applications. There are many different types of disorders arising in reality, and for many of which whether they defy topological protection and their severity in device performance are not well understood. For example, some of these structures are intrinsically non-Hermitian while Hermitian topological indices have been assumed. In this project, we will carry out a systematic study of different types of disorder in topological photonic structures and understand if and why they escape topological protection. We will also examine the non-Hermitian nature of such structures and explore new perspectives of robustness from non-Hermitian topology. Based on these studies, we will put forward truly fault-tolerant structures for real-world applications.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Feb 16, 2024
Source ID
FA23862314051

Entities

People

  • Alex Y Song

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • United States Air Force
  • University of Sydney

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Quantum Dot Semiconductor Device Photonics and Graphene Optoelectronic Materials and THz Physics.