Non-reciprocal transmission in photonic lattices based on unidirectional coherent perfect absorption

TL;DR

This paper proposes a passive, linear photonic lattice system that achieves one-way light transmission by utilizing unidirectional coherent perfect absorption, enabling non-reciprocal optical behavior without active components.

Contribution

It introduces a novel passive optical lattice design that exploits unidirectional coherent perfect absorption for non-reciprocal light transmission, advancing integrated photonic device capabilities.

Findings

Demonstrates asymmetric light transmission in a passive lattice

Shows non-reciprocal behavior achieved through parameter modulation

Proposes a dissipative optical Aharonov-Bohm diode concept

Abstract

A method for realizing asymmetric (one-way) transmission of discretized light in modulated, linear and purely passive optical lattices is suggested, which exploits the idea of unidirectional coherent perfect absorption. The system consists of a linear photonic lattice of coupled resonators or waveguides, side coupled to a chain of lossy elements, in which light can avoid the occupation of the dissipative sites when propagating in one way, but not in the opposite one. Non-reciprocity requires modulation of the resonator/waveguide parameters, realizing a dissipative optical Aharonov-Bohm diode with non-reciprocal behavior.