Synthetic Dimension in Photonics

TL;DR

Synthetic dimensions in photonics enable exploration of higher-dimensional physics within lower-dimensional structures, opening new avenues for fundamental research and practical applications.

Contribution

This review introduces the concept of synthetic dimensions in photonics, summarizing various approaches and potential uses in fundamental physics and technology.

Findings

Synthetic dimensions allow higher-dimensional physics in lower-dimensional photonic structures.

Multiple approaches have been demonstrated to realize synthetic dimensions.

Potential applications include advanced photonic devices and fundamental physics experiments.

Abstract

The physics of a photonic structure is commonly described in terms of its apparent geometric dimensionality. On the other hand, with the concept of synthetic dimension, it is in fact possible to explore physics in a space with a dimensionality that is higher as compared to the apparent geometrical dimensionality of the structures. In this review, we discuss the basic concepts of synthetic dimension in photonics, and highlighting the various approaches towards demonstrating such synthetic dimension for fundamental physics and potential applications.