Reconfigurable synthetic dimension frequency lattices in an integrated lithium niobate ring cavity
Hiep X. Dinh, Armandas Balčytis, Tomoki Ozawa, Yasutomo Ota, Guanghui Ren, Toshihiko Baba, Satoshi Iwamoto, Arnan Mitchell, Thach G. Nguyen
Abstract
Abstract Harnessing non-spatial properties of photons as if they represent an additional independent coordinate underpins the emerging synthetic dimension approach. It enables probing of higher-dimensional physical models within low-dimensional devices, such as on a planar chip where this method is relatively nascent. We demonstrate an integrated thin-film lithium niobate ring resonator that, under dynamic modulation, simulates a tight-binding model with its discrete frequency modes representing lattice sites. Inter-mode coupling, and the simulated lattice geometry, can be reconfigured by controlling the modulating signals. Up to a quasi-3D lattice connectivity with controllable gauge potentials has been achieved by simultaneous synchronized nearest-, second- and third-nearest-neighbor coupling, and verified by acquiring synthetic band structures. Development of synthetic frequency dimension devices in the thin-film lithium niobate photonic integration platform is a key step in increasing the complexity of topological models achievable on a chip, combining efficient electro-optic mode coupling with non-linear effects for long-range mode interactions.