Dynamic band structure measurement in the synthetic space

Band structure theory plays an essential role in exploring physics in both solid-state systems and photonics. Here, we demonstrate a direct experimental measurement of the dynamic band structure in a synthetic space including the frequency axis of light, realized in a ring resonator under near-resonant dynamic modulation. This synthetic lattice exhibits the physical picture of the evolution of the wave vector reciprocal to the frequency axis in the band structure, analogous to a one-dimensional lattice under an external force. We experimentally measure the trajectories of the dynamic band structure by selectively exciting the band with a continuous wave source with its frequency scanning across the entire energy regime of the band. Our results not only provide a new perspective for exploring the dynamics in fundamental physics of solid-state and photonic systems with the concept of the synthetic dimension but also enable great capability in band structure engineering in photonics.

Automated summary

This paper demonstrates a direct experimental measurement of the dynamic band structure in a synthetic space, including the frequency axis of light, using a ring resonator under near-resonant dynamic modulation. The synthetic lattice exhibits the physical picture of the evolution of the wave vector reciprocal to the frequency axis in the band structure. The results not only provide a new perspective for exploring dynamics in fundamental physics of solid-state and photonic systems, but also enable great capability in band structure engineering in photonics.