Possible Realization of Directional Optical Waveguides in Photonic Crystals with Broken Time-Reversal Symmetry

Possible Realization of Directional Optical Waveguides in Photonic Crystals with Broken Time-Reversal Symmetry

August 30, 2007 | F. D. M. Haldane and S. Raghu
The authors propose a novel approach to constructing one-way waveguides in photonic crystals using non-reciprocal (Faraday-effect) media. These waveguides, which allow electromagnetic energy to flow in only one direction, are analogous to quantum Hall edge states. The key enabling factor is the presence of non-reciprocal media that breaks time-reversal symmetry in the metamaterial. The unidirectional photonic modes confined to interfaces between two photonic crystals with different Faraday effects are analogous to chiral edge states in the quantum Hall effect. The authors demonstrate that such modes can be realized in a hexagonal array of dielectric rods with a Faraday effect, where the edge states occur along domain walls where the Faraday effect vanishes. They also provide a theoretical framework for understanding the topological properties of these modes, including the Berry connection and Berry curvature, which are crucial for the non-zero Chern numbers of the bands. The work highlights the potential for creating quasi-lossless unidirectional channels in photonic metamaterials, opening new possibilities for advanced optical devices.The authors propose a novel approach to constructing one-way waveguides in photonic crystals using non-reciprocal (Faraday-effect) media. These waveguides, which allow electromagnetic energy to flow in only one direction, are analogous to quantum Hall edge states. The key enabling factor is the presence of non-reciprocal media that breaks time-reversal symmetry in the metamaterial. The unidirectional photonic modes confined to interfaces between two photonic crystals with different Faraday effects are analogous to chiral edge states in the quantum Hall effect. The authors demonstrate that such modes can be realized in a hexagonal array of dielectric rods with a Faraday effect, where the edge states occur along domain walls where the Faraday effect vanishes. They also provide a theoretical framework for understanding the topological properties of these modes, including the Berry connection and Berry curvature, which are crucial for the non-zero Chern numbers of the bands. The work highlights the potential for creating quasi-lossless unidirectional channels in photonic metamaterials, opening new possibilities for advanced optical devices.
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