Optical mesh lattices with PT-symmetry

TL;DR

This paper explores a novel class of optical mesh lattices with PT-symmetry, analyzing their band structure, exceptional points, and unique optical phenomena like unidirectional invisibility and superluminal transport.

Contribution

It introduces a new discretized optical mesh lattice framework with PT-symmetry, studying its spectral properties and dynamic behaviors in both passive and active regimes.

Findings

Identification of band merging and exceptional points.

Observation of unidirectional invisibility.

Potential for superluminal light transport.

Abstract

We investigate a new class of optical mesh periodic structures that are discretized in both the transverse and longitudinal directions. These networks are composed of waveguide arrays that are discretely coupled while phase elements are also inserted to discretely control their effective potentials and can be realized both in the temporal and the spatial domain. Their band structure and impulse response is studied in both the passive and parity-time (PT) symmetric regime. The possibility of band merging and the emergence of exceptional points along with the associated optical dynamics are considered in detail both above and below the PT-symmetry breaking point. Finally unidirectional invisibility in PT-synthetic mesh lattices is also examined along with possible superluminal light transport dynamics.