Topological edge modes with PT symmetry in a quasiperiodic structure

Nicolas X A Rivolta (1) , Henri Benisty (2) , Bjorn Maes (1)

1 UMons - Université de Mons
2 Laboratoire Charles Fabry / Naphel

We investigate topological features of a one-dimensional photonic quasicrystal within the context of PT symmetry. Via the scattering characteristics, we analyze various properties of a particular mirrored structure, which supports topological edge modes in its band gaps. These interface modes display a nontrivial dependence on the quasiperiodic geometry, even in a passive system. Subsequently, the tailored addition of gain and loss generates curious PT-like features. For example, the quasicrystal high density of modes leads to complicated mode-merging behaviors between edge and band modes, such as the symmetry recovery phenomenon. Furthermore, anisotropic transmission resonances (connected with unidirectional invisibility) are also present, but they display richer patterns in comparison to previously studied periodic structures. Additionally, we examine lasing effects in detail, with numerics and a simple Fabry-Pérot model. The large variety of mode-merging behaviors opens the way to laser resonance engineering.

Domaines: Optique [physics.optics]

Nicolas X A Rivolta, Henri Benisty, Bjorn Maes. Topological edge modes with PT symmetry in a quasiperiodic structure. Physical Review A : Atomic, molecular, and optical physics [1990-2015], 2017, 96 (2), pp.23864 - 23864. ⟨10.1103/PhysRevA.96.023864⟩. ⟨hal-01611097⟩