Non-Hermitian Topological Photonics
Abstract
Topological insulators are novel materials where the flow of electrons is robust to defects and disorder. It was recently realized that the flow of photons through optical devices could also take advantage of similar topological protection to achieve unprecedented robustness, in a way similar to electrons in a topological insulator. Another essential concept in photonics is non-Hermiticity (introduced by optical gain and/or loss) - an aspect that cannot be readily explored in electron physics. Both material gain and radiation loss play key roles in laser systems; while scattering loss due to surface roughness is omnipresent in all conceivable photonic components. Non-Hermitian systems also exhibit topological properties with respect to exceptional points – points in the parameter space at which the systems’ modes coalesce. In this project the PI will devise analytical and numerical methods to investigate novel yet realistic designs of optoelectronic devices.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2018
- Source ID
- FA95501810133
Entities
People
- Bo Zhen
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Pennsylvania