Defect-free surface states in modulated photonic lattices

TL;DR

This paper predicts the existence of defect-free surface states in modulated photonic lattices, arising solely from periodic modulation, unlike traditional surface states that require defects or nonlinearities.

Contribution

It introduces a new class of linear surface states in perfect lattices caused by periodic modulation, contrasting with previous defect-dependent surface states.

Findings

Surface states can exist without defects in modulated lattices

Periodic modulation induces surface states in perfect lattices

Contrasts with traditional defect-associated surface states

Abstract

We predict that interfaces of modulated photonic lattices can support a novel type of generic surface states. Such linear surface states appear in truncated but otherwise perfect (defect-free) lattices as a direct consequence of the periodic modulation of the lattice potential, without any embedded or nonlinearity-induced defects. This is in a sharp contrast to all previous studies, where surface states in linear or nonlinear lattices, such as Tamm or Shockley type surface states, are always associated with the presence of a certain type of structural or induced surface defect.