On-chip optical non-reciprocity through a synthetic Hall effect for photons

We demonstrate a synthetic Hall effect for light, using an acousto-optically modulated nanophotonic resonator chain. To produce this effect, we simultaneously generate the required synthetic electric field using temporal modulation and the required synthetic magnetic field using spatial modulation of the resonator chain. We show how the combination of these synthetic fields transverse to the direction of light propagation can be used to produce non-reciprocal optical transmission, as a basis for new photonic and topological devices.

Automated summary

The research demonstrates the generation of a synthetic Hall effect for light by using temporal and spatial modulation to create synthetic electric and magnetic fields. These synthetic fields can produce non-reciprocal optical transmission transverse to the direction of light propagation, providing a foundation for new photonic and topological devices.