Geometric potential and transport in photonic topological crystals

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates an experimental optical analogue of quantum geometric potential and topological crystal phenomena, including Bloch oscillations and Zener tunneling, using femtosecond laser-written silica waveguides.

Contribution

It introduces a novel optical platform that simulates quantum geometric effects and topological behaviors in photonic systems.

Findings

Observation of Bloch oscillations in photonic topological crystals

Demonstration of Zener tunneling driven by geometric effects

Implementation of quantum geometric potential in optical waveguides

Abstract

We report on the experimental realization of an optical analogue of a quantum geometric potential for light wave packets constrained on thin dielectric guiding layers fabricated in silica by the femtosecond laser writing technology. We further demonstrate the optical version of a topological crystal, with the observation of Bloch oscillations and Zener tunneling of purely geometric nature.