Boosting Topological Zero Modes Using Elastomer Waveguide Arrays

Abstract

We employ the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model in elastic polymer waveguide arrays to design and realize travelling topologically protected modes. The observed delocalization of the optical field for superluminal defect velocities agrees well with theoretical descriptions. We apply mechanical strain to modulate the lattices' coupling coefficient. This work demonstrates a novel platform for rapid prototyping of topological photonic devices and establishes strain-tuning as a viable design parameter for topological waveguide arrays.

4 pages, 4 figures

References in corpus (7)

• Quantized Nonlinear Thouless Pumping
• Fast and robust quantum state transfer in a topological Su-Schrieffer-Heeger chain with Next-to-Nearest-Neighbour interactions
• Topological pumping of photons in nonlinear resonator arrays
• Weakly nonlinear topological gap solitons in Su-Schrieffer-Heeger photonic lattices
• Optimal Control of Majorana Zero Modes
• Mechanically tunable integrated beamsplitters on a flexible polymer platform
• Asymmetric topological pumping in nonparaxial photonics

Cited by in corpus (1)

• Compressive single-pixel read-out of single-photon quantum walks on a polymer photonic chip