Time-Domain Bound States in the Continuum

TL;DR

This paper introduces the concept of time-domain bound states in the continuum, achieved through rapid temporal modulation of refractive index, opening new possibilities for light-matter interactions in time-varying media.

Contribution

It presents the theoretical foundation and mathematical solutions for time-domain BICs, extending wave phenomena concepts from space to time.

Findings

Time-domain BICs are analytic solutions of Maxwell equations.

Temporal modulation can create bound states in a continuum.

Potential applications in light-matter interactions in dynamic media.

Abstract

We present the concept of time-domain bound states in continuum. We show that a rapid judiciously-designed temporal modulation of the refractive index in a spatially homogenous medium gives rise to a bound state in time embedded in a continuum of wavenumbers. Mathematically, these bound states in the continuum (BIC) are analytic solutions of the Maxwell equations in time and one-dimensional space. Our results show the potential to extend known wave phenomena in space to the temporal domain, providing new avenues for light-matter interactions in time-varying media.