Controlling directional propagation in driven-dissipative 2D photonic lattices

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method to control the direction of light propagation in 2D photonic lattices using resonant excitation and interference effects, enabling dynamic routing and localization of light.

Contribution

It introduces a resonant excitation scheme for achieving controllable directional and localized light propagation in driven-dissipative 2D photonic lattices, advancing optical control techniques.

Findings

Achieved quasi-1D and uni-directional bulk light propagation.

Controlled localization degrees of light within the lattice.

Highlighted the role of external drives in dynamic light control.

Abstract

Controlling light propagation in photonic systems fosters fundamental research and practical application. Particularly, photonic lattices allow engineering band dispersions and tailor transport features through their geometry. However, complete controllability requires external manipulation of the propagating light. Here, we present a resonant excitation scheme to observe quasi-1D and uni-directional propagation of light through the bulk of two-dimensional lattices. To this end, we use the highly anisotropic light propagation exhibited at the energy of saddle points in photonic bands. When multiple drives with judicious amplitudes and phases are tuned to such energy, interference effects between these drives and photonic modes result in controllable directional propagation through the bulk. Similarly, one can formed localized states with controllable localization degrees. We illustrate these effects with driven-dissipative photonic lattices. Our work highlights the importance of external drives for dynamically controlling directional light transport in lattices, a relevant feature for all-optical routing and processing in photonics.