Splitter engineering through optimizing topological adiababtic passage

Abstract

Topologically protected states are important in realizing robust optical behaviors that are quite insensitive to local defects or perturbations, which provide a promising solution for robust photonic integrations. Here, we propose to implement fast topological beam splitters and routers via the adiabatic passage of edge and interface states in the cross-linking configuration of Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) chains with interface defects. The channel state does not immerse into the band continuum during the adiabatic cycle, making the adiabatic restriction less stringent and the transport process more efficient. Based on the accelerated topological pumping, the beam splitters and routers exhibit improved robustness against losses of the system yet degraded resilience to fluctuation of coupling strengths and on-site energies compared with the conventional topological splitting and routing schemes. In addition, we confirm that the model demonstrates good scalability when the system size is varied. The simulation results of topological beam splitting in coupled waveguide arrays are in good consistency with theoretical analysis. This topological design provides a robust way to control photons, which may suggest further application of topological devices with unique properties and functionalities for integrated photonics.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

topological effects in photonic systems / Su−Schrieffer−Heeger / topological photonics / waveguides

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Declarations

The authors declare no competing interests and no conflicts.

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the financial support by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 62075048 and 12304407) and China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant Nos. 2023TQ0310 and GZC20232446).

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