Researchers from the University of Bath, Loughborough University, and the University of Central Florida have made a significant breakthrough in the field of photonic lattices and nonlinear optics. Their work, published in the journal Nature Photonics, explores the behavior of light in structures with topological dislocations, offering potential applications for the energy sector.
Topological dislocations are global structural defects in otherwise periodic lattices, which can occur in various physical systems, including photonic lattices. These dislocations significantly influence the behavior of wave excitations, enabling novel mechanisms for trapping light and controlling energy flow. The researchers demonstrated, for the first time at optical frequencies, the waveguiding at various types of topological edge dislocations, resulting in the formation of localized photonic eigenstates with distinct and tunable shapes.
Using femtosecond laser-writing techniques, the team fabricated waveguide arrays with precisely tailored dislocation parameters. This allowed them to control the degree of localization and internal structure of the associated modes. The researchers also showed that in high-power regimes, families of thresholdless dislocation solitons bifurcate from these modes, inheriting the shape diversity of their linear counterparts.
The study reveals a complex interplay between nonlinearity and global lattice deformations, establishing dislocation solitons as a new class of nonlinear topological states. These findings could stimulate the observation of new types of nonlinear states and interaction scenarios for excitations in nonlinear physical systems where lattices with controllable global deformations can be created.
For the energy sector, this research could lead to advancements in photonic devices used for energy conversion, storage, and transmission. By better understanding and controlling the behavior of light in photonic lattices, it may be possible to develop more efficient and compact energy solutions. Additionally, the ability to manipulate energy flow at the nanoscale could open up new possibilities for energy harvesting and management in various applications.
In summary, this research provides a deeper understanding of the interaction between light and topological dislocations in photonic lattices, paving the way for innovative energy technologies. The practical applications of these findings could have a significant impact on the energy industry, contributing to more efficient and sustainable energy solutions.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.