Tunable topological edge modes in Su-Schrieffer-Heeger arrays

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a dynamically tunable topological waveguide device using 3D-printed, photo-responsive polymers, enabling frequency adjustment via laser excitation, which surpasses traditional static geometric tuning methods.

Contribution

It introduces a novel method for dynamically tuning topological edge modes in Su-Schrieffer-Heeger arrays using photo-responsive materials and laser excitation.

Findings

Device frequency can be fine-tuned dynamically.

Enhanced tunability over static geometric methods.

Potential for adaptable topological waveguides.

Abstract

A potential weakness of topological waveguides is that they act on a fixed narrow band of frequencies. However, by 3D printing samples from a photo-responsive polymer, we can obtain a device whose operating frequency can be fine-tuned dynamically using laser excitation. This greatly enhances existing static tunability strategies, typically based on modifying the geometry. We use a version of the classical Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model to demonstrate our approach.