Topological phases in ring resonators: recent progress and future prospects

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent advances in topological photonics applied to ring resonator systems, highlighting potential applications like quantum light sources, robust delay lines, and optical isolators, and discusses future research challenges.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of topological photonics in ring resonators, emphasizing new applications and future research directions in the field.

Findings

Topological designs can improve device robustness and performance.

Potential applications include quantum light generation and disorder-robust delay lines.

Open problems involve integrating topological concepts into practical photonic devices.

Abstract

Topological photonics has emerged as a novel paradigm for the design of electromagnetic systems from microwaves to nanophotonics. Studies to date have largely focused on the demonstration of fundamental concepts, such as non-reciprocity and waveguiding protected against fabrication disorder. Moving forward, there is a pressing need to identify applications where topological designs can lead to useful improvements in device performance. Here we review applications of topological photonics to ring resonator-based systems, including one- and two-dimensional resonator arrays, and dynamically-modulated resonators. We evaluate potential applications such as quantum light generation, disorder-robust delay lines, and optical isolation, as well as future research directions and open problems that need to be addressed.