Search
Menu
Gentec Electro-Optics Inc   - Measure With Gentec Accuracy LB

Beamsplitter Benefits from Topological Antichiral Edge States

Facebook X LinkedIn Email
GUANGZHOU, China, May 29, 2023 — Recent research has investigated novel approaches to beam-splitting in the context of topological photonics. Several beam-splitting mechanisms have been proposed relying on different topological states such as chiral edge states, valley-locked edge states, and spin-polarized edge states. Chiral edge states are unidirectional photonic states ideal for constructing robust channels of a beamsplitter. Valley-locked edge states can be used to split beams similar to that of electronic spin, to split the beam into different directions. These topological beamsplitters offer unique advantages and can be used in different applications.

In recent work, researchers from South China University of Technology have constructed and demonstrated a novel topological beamsplitter in an antichiral gyromagnetic photonic crystal (GPC). The beamsplitter showcases an easily adjustable splitting ratio and provides a highly efficient, compact design that allows for multichannel utilization, crosstalk-proof performance, and robustness against defects and obstacles.

The development of this configurable topological beamsplitter has potential applications in telecommunications, optical computing, and sensing, among other areas, according to the researchers. In telecommunications, for example, the splitter can be used to divide a single input signal into multiple output signals that can be transmitted over different channels simultaneously. In optical computing, the splitter can be used to route signals between different components or modules.

The beamsplitter relies on the concept of antichiral edge states, first proposed in a modified Haldane model and later experimentally verified in GPC. These GPCs were shown to support antichiral one-way edge states propagating along the same direction at two parallel zigzag boundaries. Notably, these edge states exist only at zigzag edges but not at armchair edges.
Schematic illustration of the topological beam splitter based on antichiral edge states. Courtesy of OEA.
Schematic illustration of the topological beamsplitter based on antichiral edge states. Courtesy of OEA. 

The proposed topological beamsplitter consists of two rectangular antichiral GPCs biased by opposite external magnetic fields. The antichiral GPCs exhibit antichiral edge states with opposite propagation directions. At the interface of the two GPCs, there is no edge state due to the presence of an armchair boundary. When an input source is placed at the center of the lower zigzag edge, the waves will be split into two beams propagating in opposite directions along the edge of the GPCs. The ratio between the right-to-left output beams can be adjusted by changing the incident angle of the excitation source.

Meadowlark Optics - Building system MR 7/23

Alternatively, the input source can be placed at the center of the upper zigzag edge to construct another beamsplitter. The two beamsplitters are free of crosstalk, as there is minimal coupling between them even when they are close to each other. This property is especially important for applications where multiple channels need to function simultaneously.

One of the key advantages of antichiral GPCs is their robustness against defects and obstacles. For example, the waves can bypass a defect without reflection. This property makes them particularly well suited for use in harsh environments or applications where reliability is critical.

Despite the efficiency and versatility of the beam-splitting approach, there are still some shortcomings and drawbacks to this topological beamsplitter. For instance, the antichiral GPC is gapless in its bulk, which will not exclude wave penetration as in photonic bandgap materials. Additionally, the current demonstration is in the microwave regime. It remains a challenge to extend the realization to the optical spectrum.

The research was published in Opto-Electronic Science (www.doi.org/10.29026/oes.2022.220001).


Published: May 2023
Glossary
topology
Topology is a branch of mathematics that focuses on the properties of space that are preserved under continuous deformations, such as stretching, crumpling, and bending, but not tearing or gluing. Topology studies the intrinsic properties of objects and spaces that remain unchanged even when the objects undergo transformations. The key concept in topology is that of continuity, and it is concerned with understanding the spatial relationships and structures that persist despite deformations. ...
chirality
Chirality is a property of certain molecules and objects in which they are non-superimposable on their mirror images. In other words, a chiral object or molecule cannot be exactly superimposed onto its mirror image, much like a left and right hand. The term "chirality" comes from the Greek word cheir, meaning hand, emphasizing the handedness or asymmetry of the object or molecule. A molecule or an object with this property is said to be chiral, while its non-superimposable mirror image is...
wavelength
Electromagnetic energy is transmitted in the form of a sinusoidal wave. The wavelength is the physical distance covered by one cycle of this wave; it is inversely proportional to frequency.
beamsplitter
An optical device for dividing a beam into two or more separate beams. A simple beamsplitter may be a very thin sheet of glass inserted in the beam at an angle to divert a portion of the beam in a different direction. A more sophisticated type consists of two right-angle prisms cemented together at their hypotenuse faces. The cemented face of one prism is coated, before cementing, with a metallic or dielectric layer having the desired reflecting properties, both in the percentage of reflection...
Research & TechnologyLaserstopologychiralityOpticsbeam splitterwavelengthtelecomgyromagnetic photonic crystalantichiralSouth China University of TechnologyOpto-Electronic ScienceAsia-Pacifictopological photonicsbeamsplitter

We use cookies to improve user experience and analyze our website traffic as stated in our Privacy Policy. By using this website, you agree to the use of cookies unless you have disabled them.