Work

Local orbital-angular-momentum dependent surface states with topological protection

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: Chiral surface states along the zigzag edge of a valley photonic crystal in the honeycomb lattice are demonstrated. By decomposing the local fields into orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes, we find that the chiral surface states present OAM-dependent unidirectional propagation characteristics. Particularly, the propagation directivities of the surface states are quantified by the local OAM decomposition and are found to depend on the chiralities of both the source and surface states. These findings allow for the engineering control of the unidirectional propagation of electromagnetic energy without requiring an ancillary cladding layer. Furthermore, we examine the propagation of the chiral surface states against sharp bends. It turns out that although only certain states successfully pass through the bend, the unidirectional propagation is well maintained due to the topology of the structure.

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/oe.387993

Authors: Menglin L. N. Chen, Li Jun Jiang, Zhihao Lan, Wei E. I. Sha

Language: English

Topic: Topological Materials and Phenomena

Subfield: Condensed Matter Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,270

Funders: Asian Office of Aerospace Research and Development, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee, Recruitment Program of Global Experts