Observation of Co-propagating Chiral Zero Modes in Magnetic Photonic Crystals

TL;DR

This paper reports the first experimental observation of co-propagating chiral zero modes in magnetic photonic crystals with Weyl points, enabling new topological control of wave propagation.

Contribution

It demonstrates the realization of co-propagating CZMs in 3D magnetic photonic crystals by manipulating Weyl point locations and pseudo-magnetic fields.

Findings

Co-propagating CZMs observed in magnetic photonic crystals.

Structural manipulation creates pseudo-magnetic fields with opposite directions.

Potential applications in optical waveguides and switches.

Abstract

Topological singularities, such as Weyl points and Dirac points, can give rise to unidirectional propagation channels known as chiral zero modes (CZMs) when subject to a magnetic field. These CZMs are responsible for intriguing phenomena like the chiral anomaly in quantum systems. The propagation direction of each CZM is determined by both the applied magnetic field and the topological charge of the singularity point. While counter-propagating CZMs have been observed in 2D and 3D systems, the realization of co-propagating CZMs has remained elusive. Here we present the first experimental observation of co-propagating CZMs in magnetic photonic crystals hosting a single pair of ideal Weyl points WPs. By manipulating the crystal's structural configuration, we spatially alter the locations of the WPs, creating pseudo-magnetic fields in opposite directions between them. This arrangement results in a pair of CZMs that possess the same group velocity and co-propagate. Our work opens up new possibilities for topological manipulation of wave propagation and may lead to advancements in optical waveguides, switches, and various other applications.