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Topological beaming of light
Far-field properties of light from isotropic light sources near the topological junction metasurface. (A) Far-field radiation pattern |Ey|2 from an array of isotropic emitters that are evenly placed inside the device region from x = −5 to 5 μm at z = 0. (B and C) Normalized localization envelope function f(x) and its spatial Fourier transform F(kx) for the emission angle θ in free space, respectively. (D) Position–wave vector uncertainty relation of the leaky JR state according to bandgap size g. Credit: Science Advances, doi: 10.1126/sciadv.add8349

There are wide-ranging applications for the light emitting devices. Ki Young Lee and a research team in physics and engineering in China and the UK have proposed to develop a structure of a submicron-printfoot size and high efficiency.

The device facilitates a highly desirable and efficient microlight emitter to detect a variety of applications.

The phenomena of photonic topology.

The topological interface states have a high level of robustness. The promise of the photonic topological phenomena has been investigated by many mathematicians and physicists.

Lee and colleagues looked at novel far-field optical properties. They showed how a topological junction meta surface of two guided-mode resonance gratings can be used as efficient light emitting devices.

The team used a junction with two separate guided mode gratings next to each other. The narrow beam of light came from the Jackiw-Rebbi state at the junction. The process was driven by two things. The team studied a fundamental theory of beam emission.

Topological beaming of light
Fundamental properties of the leaky JR state in a topological junction metasurface. (A) Schematic of a topological junction consisting of two different thin-film subwavelength gratings. (B) Angle-dependent reflection spectra for the left unit cell in the topological phase (left), the right unit cell in the trivial phase (right), and their junction (middle). (C) Electric field amplitude Ey of the leaky JR state at wavelength λJR = 633 nm. We use the finite element method (Comsol Multiphysics) for this calculation. Credit: Science Advances, doi: 10.1126/sciadv.add8349
Leakage radiation from a Jackiw-Rebbi (JR) state

The structure of the JR state was explored by Lee and his team. The JR state led to beam leakage radiation towards the background, allowing characteristic features of leakage radiation to be gathered during the study.

The team looked at the emission properties of light sources near the junction. The radiation pattern was calculated using the finite element method. Two grating regions with the same Dirac mass could be designed to achieve ideal symmetry of the beam.

The narrow beam emission from isotropic light sources followed the exact properties of radiation leaking from the JR state. Modifications to the experimental setup, including a reduced index contrast and vertically coupled multilayer waveguides, were used to achieve the proposed beamed effect.

Topological beaming of light
Electromagnetic funneling and Purcell enhancement of internal sources. (A) Optical power-flow (time-average Poynting vector 〈S〉t; red arrows) distribution for a topological junction with bandgap size g = 40 nm in reference to the near-field intensity distribution (gray-level density). (B and C) Optical power flow excited by a single isotropic source 1 and 2 μm away from the junction (xP = 1 and 2 μm), respectively. (D) Source-position (xP)–dependent far-field intensity distribution on an observation plane 3.5 μm above the grating surface as a function of xP. (E) Purcell factor distribution in comparison with the near-field intensity distribution associated with the JR state. Credit: Science Advances, doi: 10.1126/sciadv.add8349
Topological beaming of light
Flat-top beam generation by Dirac mass control. (A) Dirac mass m(x) distribution for flat-top beam generation. It has three plateaus at m′ = −0.634, 0, and +0.635 μm−1, and associated JR state intensity profiles and emitted beam profiles are plotted together for references. (B) Electric field intensity |Ey|2 pattern from the structure design based on the Dirac mass distribution in (A). The device structure in this simulation has three grating regions of different fill factors at F = 0.264, 0.46, and 0.7, corresponding to the three Dirac mass plateaus. Credit: Science Advances, doi: 10.1126/sciadv.add8349
Adaptable beam shaping

Many general applications of light sources rely on beam shaping. It is possible to regulate the beam shape directly from the source. The scientists explained the Dirac mass distribution.

A zero Dirac mass region can be extended around the junction of the device. Guided mode resonance dirac mass regulation can facilitate beam shaping applications.

The outlook is positive.

Ki Young Lee and colleagues proposed a meta surface for beam emission. They used the characteristic field of a Jackiw-Rabbi state at the junction to create a light beam that could be beamed from internal emitters.

The proposed architecture is significant to the creation of efficient light emitting devices. These properties are important for a number of applications. The proposed devices are able to work as efficient optical detectors due to their scope of acting as time-reversed emitters. The scientists would like to develop new optical effects and device applications that surpass technical limits.

Science Advances has more information about Ki Young Lee and his colleagues. There is a book titled "Sci Adv.add8349."

The Weyl exceptional ring was realized in an experimental manner.

Journal information: Nature Photonics , Science Advances

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