Two-dimensional coupled resonator optical waveguide arrangements and systems, devices, and methods thereof

摘要

Two-dimensional coupled resonator optical waveguide arrangements and systems, devices, and methods thereof. Networks of coupled resonator optical waveguides are arranged so as to exploit topological properties of these optical networks. Such arrangement affords topological protection against disorders or perturbations in the network that may hinder or block photon flow. As a result of a disorder, photons traversing along edge states of the array are rerouted based on the disorder or perturbation. Photon routing in the network is accordingly protected against disorder or defects.

主权项

1. A topologically protected device comprising:
a two-dimensional array of coupled micro-resonator waveguides having four or more micro-resonators, said two-dimensional array being of any geometry; an input waveguide arranged adjacent to a first micro-resonator of the four or more micro-resonators such that photons in said input waveguide are coupled to only said first micro-resonator and not any other micro-resonators of said four or more micro-resonators; and an output waveguide arranged adjacent to a second micro-resonator of said four or more micro-resonators, different from said first micro-resonator, such that photons are coupled from only said second micro-resonator to said output waveguide and not from any other micro-resonators of said four or more micro-resonators, wherein said two-dimensional array is arranged so as to be operative to provide topological protection against any disorders in said two-dimensional array, the topological protection including providing an alternative pathway for photons traveling along a portion of the perimeter of said two-dimensional array based on photonic edge states thereof such that the traveling photons bypass any disorder in a photon path from said first micro-resonator to said second micro-resonator and such that the traveling photons coupled to the output waveguide from the second micro-resonator are unaffected by any disorder in the two-dimensional array.