Topological Phenomena in Time-Multiplexed Resonator Networks

Citation

Leefmans, Christian R. (2024) Topological Phenomena in Time-Multiplexed Resonator Networks. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/2dp5-eb41. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:12222023-012844057

Abstract

In 2008, the prediction that gyromagnetic photonic crystals could host analogs of the quantum Hall effect sparked a revolution in photonics, as it became apparent that the synergy between photonics and topological physics provides distinct opportunities for fundamental research and technological innovation. Since then, topological photonics has produced experimental realizations of numerous theories from topological condensed matter physics, while the inherent robustness of topological edge states has enabled novel devices like topological lasers and topological quantum sources. Despite this success, practical challenges limit the breadth of topological phenomena accessible to the existing experimental platforms for topological photonics. Therefore, to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery and to inspire the next generation of topological technologies, it is desirable to develop a platform that overcomes the limitations of traditional topological photonic architectures. In this thesis, I propose time-multiplexed resonator networks as a next-generation platform for topological photonics, and I present three experimental projects that demonstrate the diverse capabilities of this platform.

In the first project, I use a time-multiplexed resonator network to demonstrate topological dissipation, in which nontrivial topology is encoded in the dissipation spectrum of a resonator array. I show measurements of dissipative topological phenomena in one- and two-dimensions and discuss how topological dissipation can be used to design resonator arrays with topologically robust quality factors. In the second project, I adapt a time-multiplexed resonator network to realize a topological mode-locked laser, and I show that this laser can realize non-Hermitian topological phenomena that had not previously been demonstrated in topological photonics. Finally, I experimentally study the dynamics of cavity solitons in a topological resonator array. This project demonstrates a general technique for realizing cavity solitons in large arrays of coupled resonators, which has become a relevant challenge in the soliton community over the past several years.

Thesis Files