Topological Singularities in Metasurface Scattering Matrices: From Nodal Lines to Exceptional Lines

TL;DR

This paper reveals topological singularities in the scattering matrices of 2D photonic systems, showing how symmetry and material loss lead to observable topological features like exceptional lines, with numerical and experimental validation.

Contribution

It introduces a new topological framework for analyzing scattering matrices in open photonic systems, linking eigenvalue singularities to observable scattering phenomena.

Findings

Mirror symmetry causes diabolic points and nodal lines in lossless systems.

Material loss transforms these features into exceptional points and lines.

Experimental demonstration using a reflective non-local metasurface.

Abstract

Topological properties of photonic structures described by Hamiltonian matrices have been extensively studied in recent years. Photonic systems are often open systems, and their coupling with the environment is characterized by scattering matrices, which can exhibit topological features as well. In this work, we uncover that topological singularities can be manifested in the scattering matrices of two-dimensional periodic photonic systems with open boundaries in the third dimension, introducing a new topological approach to describe scattering. We elaborate the importance of symmetry and demonstrate that mirror symmetry gives rise to the formation of diabolic points and nodal lines in the three-dimensional frequency-momentum space, which transform into exceptional points and lines in the presence of material loss. These topological features in the eigenvalue structure of the scattering matrix manifest as vortex lines in the cross-polarization scattering phase, providing a direct link between the eigen-problem and observable scattering phenomena in the frequency-momentum space. We demonstrate these phenomena numerically and experimentally using a reflective non-local metasurface. These findings extend the concept of topological singularities to scattering matrices and pave the way for novel photonic devices and wavefront engineering techniques.