Supersymmetric Optical Structures

TL;DR

This paper introduces the application of supersymmetry principles to optical structures, enabling the systematic design of devices with tailored scattering, guiding, and filtering properties across one- and two-dimensional systems.

Contribution

It develops a framework for applying supersymmetry to optical systems, including 1D, 2D, and lattice structures, to achieve desired optical functionalities.

Findings

Supersymmetric pairs have identical scattering and guiding properties.

Optical SUSY extends to two-dimensional systems with mode subset linking.

Supersymmetric photonic lattices enable lossless mode filtering.

Abstract

We show that supersymmetry can provide a versatile platform in synthesizing a new class of optical structures with desired properties and functionalities. By exploiting the intimate relationship between superpatners, one can systematically construct index potentials capable of exhibiting the same scattering and guided wave characteristics. In particular, in the Helmholtz regime, we demonstrate that one-dimensional supersymmetric pairs display identical reflectivities and transmittivities for any angle of incidence. Optical SUSY is then extended to two-dimensional systems where a link between specific azimuthal mode subsets is established. Finally we explore supersymmetric photonic lattices where discreteness can be utilized to design lossless integrated mode filtering arrangements.