Optomechanical Dirac Physics

TL;DR

This paper explores how optomechanical arrays arranged in a honeycomb lattice can produce tunable Dirac band structures, enabling novel photon-phonon transport phenomena like Klein tunneling and edge state propagation.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of optomechanical Dirac physics, demonstrating tunable Dirac bands and unique transport properties in optomechanical honeycomb lattices.

Findings

Photon and phonon Dirac cones can be realized in optomechanical arrays.

Optically tunable barriers enable Klein tunneling with photon-phonon interconversion.

Edge states support controlled propagation of photon-phonon polaritons.

Abstract

Recent progress in optomechanical systems may soon allow the realization of optomechanical arrays, i.e. periodic arrangements of interacting optical and vibrational modes. We show that photons and phonons on a honeycomb lattice will produce an optically tunable Dirac-type band structure. Transport in such a system can exhibit transmission through an optically created barrier, similar to Klein tunneling, but with interconversion between light and sound. In addition, edge states at the sample boundaries are dispersive and enable controlled propagation of photon-phonon polaritons.