Exceptional mode topological surface laser

Band topology has been studied as a design principle of realizing robust boundary modes. Here, by exploring non-Hermitian topology, we propose a three-dimensional topological laser that amplifies surface modes. The topological surface laser is protected by nontrivial topology around branchpoint singularities known as exceptional points. In contrast to two-dimensional topological lasers, the proposed three-dimensional setup can realize topological boundary modes without judicious gain at the edge or symmetry protection, which are thus robust against a broad range of disorders. We also propose a possible optical setup to experimentally realize the topological surface laser. Our results provide a general guiding principle to construct non-Hermitian topological devices in three-dimensional systems.

Automated summary

In this study, a three-dimensional topological laser that amplifies surface modes is proposed by exploring non-Hermitian topology. The topological surface laser is protected by nontrivial topology around exceptional points, enabling the realization of robust topological boundary modes without the need for judicious gain or symmetry protection.