GaAs valley photonic crystal waveguide with light-emitting InAs quantum dots

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a GaAs valley photonic crystal waveguide with embedded InAs quantum dots, showcasing topologically protected light propagation that is robust against sharp bends, advancing integrated photonic circuit development.

Contribution

It introduces a topological interface state in GaAs VPhC waveguides with embedded quantum dots, enabling robust near-infrared light propagation for active photonic devices.

Findings

Robust light propagation despite sharp bends due to topological protection

Successful integration of quantum dots as internal light sources

Potential for compact, resilient photonic circuits

Abstract

We report a valley photonic crystal (VPhC) waveguide in a GaAs slab with InAs quantum dots (QDs) as an internal light source exploited for experimental characterization of the waveguide. A topological interface state formed at the interface between two topologically-distinct VPhCs is used as the waveguide mode. We demonstrate robust propagation for near-infrared light emitted from the QDs even under the presence of sharp bends as a consequence of the topological protection of the guided mode. Our work will be of importance for developing robust photonic integrated circuits with small footprints, as well as for exploring active semiconductor topological photonics.