Space-Time Hopfion Crystals

TL;DR

This paper introduces space-time hopfion crystals created using structured light, offering new possibilities for high-dimensional, robust topological data processing in condensed matter and photonics.

Contribution

It presents a novel methodology for assembling hopfion lattices in space-time using bichromatic light beams or dipole arrays, and discusses tailoring topological orders.

Findings

Crystalline structures of hopfions in space-time are demonstrated.

A practical method for creating hopfion lattices with structured light is proposed.

Potential applications in high-density topological information processing are highlighted.

Abstract

Hopfions, higher-dimensional topological quasiparticles with sophisticated 3D knotted spin textures discovered in condensed matter and photonic systems, show promise in high-density data storage and transfer. Here we present crystalline structures of hopfions lying in space-time constructed by spatiotemporally structured light. A practical methodology using bichromatic structured light beams or dipole arrays to assemble 1D and higher dimensional hopfion lattices is proposed and a technique for tailoring topological orders is elucidated. The birth of photonic hopfion crystals heralds a new era in high-dimensional, condensed, and robust topological information processing.