Choi, J. W., Sohn, B.-U., Gao, H., Chen, G. F. R., Goh, J. S., Ng, D. K. T., Tan, D. T. H. (2024). Observation of temporal optical solitons in a topological waveguide. Scientific Reports, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-79219-z
Abstract:
Photonic topological systems may be exploited in topological quantum light generation, the
development of topological lasers, the implementation of photonic routing systems and optical
parametric amplification. Here, we leverage the strong light confinement of an ultra-silicon-rich nitride
(USRN) topological waveguide adopting the 1D Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) system with a topological
domain wall. We present the formation and propagation of temporal optical solitons in the topological
waveguide, exhibiting two-fold temporal compression. We further observe a saturation in the output
power at sufficiently high input powers. It is further observed that pulse propagation through a trivial,
non-topological waveguide does not lead to similar temporal soliton dynamics. The demonstrated
topological system allows for the temporal compression to be manipulated through power tuning via
topological control of delocalization of the topological mode. This design degree of freedom allows
temporal solitons to be generated in a topological waveguide while providing straightforward control
of temporal pulses in practical applications.
License type:
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
Funding Info:
This research / project is supported by the Ministry of Education - Academic Research Fund Tier 2 Grant
Grant Reference no. : T2EP50121-0019
This research / project is supported by the National Research Foundation - Quantum Engineering Programme 2.0 grant
Grant Reference no. : NRF2022-QEP2-01-P08
This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) - Manufacturing, Trade, and Connectivity Programmatic Fund
Grant Reference no. : M21K2c0119
This research / project is supported by the National Research Foundation - National Research Foundation Investigatorship
Grant Reference no. : NRF-NRFI08-2022-0003
This research is supported by core funding from: Institute of Microelectronics
Grant Reference no. : C220415015