Notes on photonic topological insulators and scattering-protected edge states - a brief introduction

Abstract

The topic of photonic topological insulators and scattering-protected edge states bridges concepts from condensed matter physics and electromagnetics, and necessitates understanding the Berry potential and related concepts. These notes are an attempt at a moderately self-contained introduction to the topic, including two detailed photonic examples drawn from the literature. We made these notes in the process of trying to understand this topic ourselves, and we are posting this material in the spirit of helping other researchers start to understand this material. We claim no novelty in the material or its presentation.

References in corpus (5)

• Scheme to Achieve Silicon Topological Photonics
• Reflection-Free One-Way Edge Modes in a Gyromagnetic Photonic Crystal
• Time Reversal Polarization and a Z_2 Adiabatic Spin Pump
• ${\mathbb{Z}}_2$ Topological Index for Continuous Photonic Materials
• One-way helical electromagnetic wave propagation supported by magnetized plasma

Cited by in corpus (4)

• The effects of three-dimensional defects on one-way surface plasmon propagation for photonic topological insulators comprised of continuous media
• Robust surface plasmon polaritons on gyrotropic interfaces
• Chern Invariants of Topological Continua; a Self-Consistent Nonlocal Hydrodynamic Model
• Indium Antimonide, constraints on practicality as a magneto-optical platform for topological surface plasmon polaritons