Switching between topological edge states using phase-change materials

  • Georgios Veronis*
  • , Yin Huang
  • , Yuecheng Shen
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

We introduce non-Hermitian plasmonic waveguide-cavity structures based on the Aubry-Andre-Harper model to realize switching between right and left topological edge states using the phase-change material germanium-antimony-tellurium (GST). The structure unit cells consist of a metal-dielectric-metal (MDM) waveguide side-coupled to MDM stub resonators with modulated distances between adjacent stubs. In such structures the modulated distances introduce an effective gauge magnetic field. We show that switching between the crystalline and amorphous phases of GST leads to a shift of the dispersion relation of the optimized structure so that a right topological edge state for the crystalline phase, and a left topological edge state for the amorphous phase occur at the same frequency. Thus, we realize switching between right and left topological edge states at that frequency by switching between the crystalline and amorphous phases of GST. Our results could be potentially important for developing compact reconfigurable topological photonic devices.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationActive Photonic Platforms, APP 2023
EditorsGanapathi S. Subramania, Stavroula Foteinopoulou
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510665088
DOIs
StatePublished - 2023
Externally publishedYes
Event2023 Active Photonic Platforms, APP 2023 - San Diego, United States
Duration: 20 Aug 202324 Aug 2023

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume12647
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

Conference2023 Active Photonic Platforms, APP 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period20/08/2324/08/23

Keywords

  • effective gauge magnetic field
  • metal-dielectric-metal waveguide
  • non-Hermitian photonic systems
  • phase-change materials
  • switching
  • topological edge states

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Switching between topological edge states using phase-change materials'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this