A topological quantum optics interface

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a robust interface between quantum emitters and topological photonic states, enabling chiral emission and resilience against disorder, which could advance quantum optics devices with inherent protection.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method to couple single quantum emitters with topological photonic edge states, combining quantum optics with topological photonics.

Findings

Successful creation of topological edge states at the boundary of photonic crystals.

Observation of chiral emission from quantum emitters into topological modes.

Robustness of edge states against sharp bends and disorder.

Abstract

The application of topology in optics has led to a new paradigm in developing photonic devices with robust properties against disorder. Although significant progress on topological phenomena has been achieved in the classical domain, the realization of strong light-matter coupling in the quantum domain remains unexplored. We demonstrate a strong interface between single quantum emitters and topological photonic states. Our approach creates robust counter-propagating edge states at the boundary of two distinct topological photonic crystals. We demonstrate the chiral emission of a quantum emitter into these modes and establish their robustness against sharp bends. This approach may enable the development of quantum optics devices with built-in protection, with potential applications in quantum simulation and sensing.