Observation of surface states with algebraic localization

TL;DR

This paper reports the discovery and experimental demonstration of surface states with algebraic decay in a 1D optical lattice, which are stable and embedded in the spectrum of scattered states.

Contribution

It introduces a new class of surface bound states with algebraic localization and demonstrates their stability and realization in optical waveguides.

Findings

Surface states with algebraic decay are experimentally observed.

These states are structurally stable against lattice perturbations.

The states are embedded within the spectrum of scattered states.

Abstract

We introduce and experimentally demonstrate a class of surface bound states with algebraic decay in a one-dimensional tight-binding lattice. Such states have an energy embedded in the spectrum of scattered states and are structurally stable against perturbations of lattice parameters. Experimental demonstration of surface states with algebraic localization is presented in an array of evanescently-coupled optical waveguides with tailored coupling rates.