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Article
Topological hybrid silicon microlasers
Nature Communications
  • Han Zhao, University of Pennsylvania
  • Pei Mao, University of Pennsylvania
  • Mohammad H. Teimourpour, Michigan Technological University
  • Simon Malzard, Lancaster University
  • Ramy El-Ganainy, Michigan Technological University
  • Henning Schomerus, Lancaster University
  • Liang Feng, Michigan Technological University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-7-2018
Disciplines
Abstract

Topological physics provides a robust framework for strategically controlling wave confinement and propagation dynamics. However, current implementations have been restricted to the limited design parameter space defined by passive topological structures. Active systems provide a more general framework where different fundamental symmetry paradigms, such as those arising from non-Hermiticity and nonlinear interaction, can generate a new landscape for topological physics and its applications. Here, we bridge this gap and present an experimental investigation of an active topological photonic system, demonstrating a topological hybrid silicon microlaser array respecting the charge-conjugation symmetry. The created new symmetry features favour the lasing of a protected zero mode, where robust single-mode laser action in the desired state prevails even with intentionally introduced perturbations. The demonstrated microlaser is hybrid implemented on a silicon-on-insulator substrate, and is thereby readily suitable for integrated silicon photonics with applications in optical communication and computing.

Publisher's Statement

© The Author(s) 2018. Article deposited here in compliance with publisher policies. Publisher's version of record: https:dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-03434-2

Creative Commons License
Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
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Publisher's PDF
Citation Information
Han Zhao, Pei Mao, Mohammad H. Teimourpour, Simon Malzard, et al.. "Topological hybrid silicon microlasers" Nature Communications Vol. 9 (2018)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/ramy_el-ganainy/32/