Exciton-Polariton Topological Insulator with an Array of Magnetic Dots

TL;DR

This paper proposes a new design for exciton-polariton topological insulators using a ferromagnetic layer to induce topological phases, enabling switchable edge modes without bulky magnetic fields.

Contribution

It introduces an alternative, compact design for polariton topological insulators utilizing a ferromagnetic layer to achieve switchable topological phases.

Findings

Supports multiple topological phases with different Chern numbers

Enables transition between topological phases by tuning magnetic moment or spin-orbit coupling

Offers a compact device platform for topological polariton applications

Abstract

Recently there have been several proposals on exciton-polariton topological insulators, most requiring strong external magnetic fields induced by bulky superconducting coils. We propose an alternate design for a polariton topological insulator, where excitons are in a proximity of an additional layer of a ferromagnetic material with a predefined magnetic moment located between the pillars of the cavity. Our design supports a variety of topological phases and transitions between Chern numbers $\pm 2$ and $\pm 1$ by varying either the magnetic moment of the ferromagnetic material or the spin-orbit coupling between different spin projections, thus enabling compact polariton devices harnessing switchable topological edge modes.