Ideal nodal rings of one-dimensional photonic crystals in the visible region

Three-dimensional (3D) artificial metacrystals host rich topological phases, such as Weyl points, nodal rings, and 3D photonic topological insulators. These topological states enable a wide range of applications, including 3D robust waveguides, one-way fiber, and negative refraction of the surface wave. However, these carefully designed metacrystals are usually very complex, hindering their extension to nanoscale photonic systems. Here, we theoretically proposed and experimentally realized an ideal nodal ring in the visible region using a simple 1D photonic crystal. The pi-Berry phase around the ring is manifested by a 2 pi reflection phase's winding and the resultant drumhead surface states. By breaking the inversion symmetry, the nodal ring can be gapped and the pi-Berry phase would diffuse into a toroidal-shaped Berry flux, resulting in photonic ridge states (the 3D extension of quantum valley Hall states). Our results provide a simple and feasible platform for exploring 3D topological physics and its potential applications in nanophotonics.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the creation of an ideal nodal ring in the visible region using a simple 1D photonic crystal. The pi-Berry phase and drumhead surface states are observed, and by breaking the inversion symmetry, photonic ridge states are formed.