Topology-empowered membrane devices for terahertz photonics

Control of terahertz waves offers a profound platform for next-generation sensing, imaging, and information communications. However, all conventional terahertz components and systems suffer from bulky design, sensitivity to imperfections, and transmission loss. We propose and experimentally demonstrate on-chip integration and miniaturization of topological devices, which may address many existing drawbacks of the terahertz technology. We design and fabricate topological devices based on valley-Hall photonic structures that can be employed for various integrated components of on-chip terahertz systems. We demonstrate valley-locked asymmetric energy flow and mode conversion with topological waveguide, multiport couplers, wave division, and whispering gallery mode resonators. Our devices are based on topological membrane metasurfaces, which are of great importance for developing on-chip photonics and bring many features into terahertz technology.

Automated summary

This article introduces a method of using topological devices to achieve on-chip integration and miniaturization, addressing the existing problems in terahertz technology. By designing and fabricating topological devices based on valley-Hall photonic structures, valley-locked asymmetric energy flow and mode conversion are achieved. The application of topological membrane metasurfaces brings many features to on-chip photonics and terahertz technology.