Topological Modes in a Laser Cavity through Exceptional State Transfer

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a novel laser cavity design that uses topological properties and exceptional points to achieve faithful mode transfer between cavity facets, enabling advanced control over laser emission characteristics.

Contribution

It introduces a new paradigm for mode shaping in lasers by leveraging topological states and non-Hermitian physics to achieve robust state transfer.

Findings

Successful realization of topological mode transfer in a laser cavity.

Elimination of non-adiabatic jumps enhances mode fidelity.

Potential for versatile mode selection in laser systems.

Abstract

Shaping the light emission characteristics of laser systems is of great importance in various areas of science and technology. In a typical lasing arrangement, the spatial profile of the mode tends to remain self-similar throughout the cavity. Here, we introduce a paradigm shift where a spatially evolving mode is faithfully settled into a pair of bi-orthogonal states at the two facets of a laser cavity. This is achieved by deliberately eliminating non-adiabatic jumps in a purposely designed structure that features a dynamic encirclement of a non-Hermitian exceptional point. The resulting state transfer reflects the unique topology of the associated Riemann surfaces. Our approach provides a route to develop versatile mode selective active