Phys.org June 6, 2023
It is highly desirable to be able to control topological edge states (TES) transport in photonic implementations. Enhancing the coupling between the TESs in a finite-size optical lattice can exchange light energy between the boundaries of a topological lattice, hence facilitating the flexible control of TES transport. However, existing strategies have paid little attention to enhancing the coupling effects between the TESs through the finite-size effect. Researchers in China established a bridge linking the interaction between the TESs in a finite-size optical lattice using the Landau–Zener model to provide an alternative way to modulate/control the transport of topological modes. They experimentally demonstrated an edge-to-edge topological transport with high efficiency at telecommunication wavelengths in silicon waveguide lattices. According to the researchers their results may power up various potential applications for integrated topological photonics… read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Manipulating topological edge states for optical channel switcher. Credit: Bing-Cong Xu