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Title: Topological Photonics: A Mathematical Perspective
Topological photonics is a framework that follows both condensed matter physics and topology. It refers to designing the guiding properties of the propagating medium (e.g., a photonic crystal or a waveguide lattice) in such a way that the transport of electromagnetic energy is realized in unique, robust, and sometimes unexpected ways. Consider a simple thought experiment: imagine first the two-dimensional wave equation on a square domain, and assume homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. We know that the accessible modes extend in periodic form throughout the whole domain and, in time, waves can propagate in all directions. This behavior is in response to the inherent symmetries of the medium. Imagine instead that we engineer the medium in such a way that all the energy concentrates in the boundary of the medium and propagates in only one direction. (In the language of optics, this would be seen as inhibiting back reflection and making the bulk medium act like an insulator).  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1840260
PAR ID:
10534554
Author(s) / Creator(s):
;
Publisher / Repository:
American Mathematical Society
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Notices of the American Mathematical Society
ISSN:
1088-9477
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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