Reconfigurable electronic circuits for magnetic fields controlled by structured light

Structured beams of light are used to engineer conduction band populations and pattern currents. Using the approach, dynamic optoelectronic interconnects and other applications are demonstrated. Dynamic control over the conduction band electrons of a semiconductor is a central technological pursuit. Beyond electronic circuitry, flexible control over the spatial and temporal character of semiconductor currents enables precise spatiotemporal structuring of magnetic fields. Despite their importance in science and technology, the control of magnetic fields at the micrometre spatial scale and femtosecond temporal scale using conventional electromagnets remains challenging. Here, we apply structured light beams to interfering photoexcitation pathways in gallium arsenide to sculpt the spatial and momentum configuration of its conduction band population. Programmable control over several hundred micrometre-scale current elements is achieved by manipulating the wavefronts of an optical beam using a spatial light modulator, enabling vast flexibility in the excited current patterns. Using this platform, we demonstrate dynamic optoelectronic interconnects, circuits for spatially tailored magnetic fields and magnetic field lattices.

Automated summary

Structured light beams are utilized to interfere with photoexcitation pathways in gallium arsenide, sculpting the spatial and momentum configuration of its conduction band population. This approach enables programmable control over current elements at the hundred-micrometre scale, with vast flexibility in excited current patterns. The platform demonstrates dynamic optoelectronic interconnects, circuits for tailored magnetic fields, and magnetic field lattices.