Terahertz chiral edge states enable inner-chip state transition and interchip communications over wireless terminals

【摘要】 Topological valley photonics has recently gained widespread interest owing to its robustness and backscattering immunity against disorders. Previous topological valley transport based on kink states required an interface between two topologically distinct domains, while recent studies have reported that chiral edge states(CESs) can be realized at the external boundary of topological insulators by changing the on-site edge potentials. However, current research on CESs is predominantly focused on the microwave frequency range, leaving challenges for emerging terahertz communications. Here, cladding-free CESs are demonstrated at the external boundary of terahertz all-silicon topological valley photonic crystals with gapless, single-mode, and linear dispersion. We show that CESs are immune to backscattering against sharp corners and support unidirectional propagation of chiral excitations. We also achieved smooth transition between kink states and CESs supported by an all-silicon platform, which could be used as the terahertz inner-chip connection. Finally, a terahertz wireless link between two disconnected CESs is verified for the near-field information interconnection between distinct mobile phones. Our work indicates CESs can improve the compactness of terahertz circuits and inspire advanced terahertz interchip communications.更多还原

【Abstract】 Topological valley photonics has recently gained widespread interest owing to its robustness and backscattering immunity against disorders. Previous topological valley transport based on kink states required an interface between two topologically distinct domains, while recent studies have reported that chiral edge states(CESs) can be realized at the external boundary of topological insulators by changing the on-site edge potentials. However, current research on CESs is predominantly focused on the microwave frequency range, leaving challenges for emerging terahertz communications. Here, cladding-free CESs are demonstrated at the external boundary of terahertz all-silicon topological valley photonic crystals with gapless, single-mode, and linear dispersion. We show that CESs are immune to backscattering against sharp corners and support unidirectional propagation of chiral excitations. We also achieved smooth transition between kink states and CESs supported by an all-silicon platform, which could be used as the terahertz inner-chip connection. Finally, a terahertz wireless link between two disconnected CESs is verified for the near-field information interconnection between distinct mobile phones. Our work indicates CESs can improve the compactness of terahertz circuits and inspire advanced terahertz interchip communications.更多还原