Parity-time synthetic photonic lattices

Regensburger A, Bersch C, Miri MA, Onishchukov G, Christodoulides DN, Peschel U (2012)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2012

Journal

Book Volume: 488

Pages Range: 167-171

Journal Issue: 7410

DOI: 10.1038/nature11298

Abstract

The development of new artificial structures and materials is today one of the major research challenges in optics. In most studies so far, the design of such structures has been based on the judicious manipulation of their refractive index properties. Recently, the prospect of simultaneously using gain and loss was suggested as a new way of achieving optical behaviour that is at present unattainable with standard arrangements. What facilitated these quests is the recently developed notion of `parity--time symmetry' in optical systems, which allows a controlled interplay between gain and loss. Here we report the experimental observation of light transport in large-scale temporal lattices that are parity--time symmetric. In addition, we demonstrate that periodic structures respecting this symmetry can act as unidirectional invisible media when operated near their exceptional points. Our experimental results represent a step in the application of concepts from parity--time symmetry to a new generation of multifunctional optical devices and networks.

Authors with CRIS profile

Additional Organisation(s)

Involved external institutions

University of Central Florida (UCF) United States (USA) (US) Max-Planck-Institut für die Physik des Lichts (MPL) / Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Regensburger, A., Bersch, C., Miri, M.-A., Onishchukov, G., Christodoulides, D.N., & Peschel, U. (2012). Parity-time synthetic photonic lattices. Nature, 488(7410), 167-171. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature11298

MLA:

Regensburger, Alois, et al. "Parity-time synthetic photonic lattices." Nature 488.7410 (2012): 167-171.

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