Litcius/Paper detail

Topological Phase Transition in the Non-Hermitian Coupled Resonator Array

Yutian Ao, Xiaoyong Hu, Yilong You, Cuicui Lu, Yulan Fu, Xingyuan Wang, Qihuang Gong

2020Physical Review Letters70 citationsDOI

Abstract

In a two-dimensional non-Hermitian topological photonic system, the physics of topological states is complicated, which brings great challenges for clarifying the topological phase transitions and achieving precise active control. Here, we prove the topological phase transition exists in a two-dimensional parity-time-symmetric coupled-resonator optical waveguide system. We reveal the inherent condition of the appearance of topological phase transition, which is described by the analytical algebraic relation of coupling strength and the quantity of gain-loss. In this framework, the system can be switched between the topological and trivial states by pumping the site rings. This work provides a new degree of freedom to control topological states and offers a scheme for studying non-Hermitian topological photonics.

Topics & Concepts

Topology (electrical circuits)PhysicsHermitian matrixPhotonicsTopological quantum numberTopological degeneracyTopological entropy in physicsPhase transitionParity (physics)ResonatorCoupling (piping)Topological orderPhase (matter)Symmetry protected topological orderQuantum mechanicsMathematicsOpticsMaterials scienceCombinatoricsMetallurgyQuantumTopological Materials and PhenomenaQuantum Mechanics and Non-Hermitian PhysicsMechanical and Optical Resonators