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Unravelling the topological phase of light and matter: From Physics to Device
applications
For many decades, physicists relied on the notion of symmetry breaking to distinguish
different phases of matter. However, it has been recently shown that topology provides a
universal way to classify the matter based on topological phases. Their hallmark feature is
the appearance of edge states which are robust to backscattering at the interface between
two materials of different topological phases. Recently, the concept of topology has been
translated into the domain of photonics: topological photonics, with a grand vision to achieve
robust and dissipation less transport of photons. The flexibility to implement engineered
Hamiltonians has made topological photonics a unique platform to study topological
phenomena and promises exceptional applications in integrated photonics.
In this talk, I will present that how the topological phases of light in valley photonic crystal
(VPC) give rise to unique functionalities in photonic devices. Leveraging the robustness of
valley edge states, I developed terahertz topological photonic integrated platform, vital for
realizing next generation 6G communication, high-speed on chip interconnects and exploring
topological light-matter interactions. I will show that valley protected edge states combined
with low loss all silicon platform yields ultra-high quality (Q) factor topological cavity with ,
whose resonance modes are immune from the imperfections and defects. Similar to
photonic domain, the nontrivial topology in matters offer wealth of opportunities to improve
our comprehension of the underlying physics. I will show that how ultrafast time-resolved
terahertz spectroscopy can be used to elucidate new physics and probe the quasi-particles
dynamics in topological materials. The new paradigm brought out by the topological phase of
light and matter holds the potential to revolutionize various fields of natural science, including
condensed matter physics, material science and photonics. |