interconnected optical waveguide networks | ALIGN lab | Advanced Laboratory of Integrated & Guided Nanophotonics

introduction

Optical waveguide networks represent a unique paradigm in photonics, functioning analogously to electrical transmission lines to construct macroscopic artificial superlattices. By arranging coupled waveguides into specific periodic or quasi-periodic geometries, we can engineer complex band structures and precisely manipulate the flow of light through these synthetic lattices. This platform provides a highly controllable environment to explore fundamental solid-state physics concepts within classical electromagnetic systems.

Our research investigates the exotic optical phenomena that emerge from these complex spatial networks. We focus on tailoring photonic bandgaps, engineering localized defect states, and exploring both Hermitian and non-Hermitian wave dynamics to uncover fundamental new mechanisms for light control.

significance & applications

By precisely governing the interference and coupling within these networks, we can realize extreme optical properties unattainable in natural bulk materials. This research not only deepens our fundamental understanding of topological photonics and parity-time (\(\mathcal{PT}\)) symmetry but also lays the physical groundwork for novel functional devices. The potential applications include robust optical routing, advanced filtering, unidirectional light transmission, and highly sensitive tunable sensors for advanced photonic circuits.

research focus

Hermitian waveguide networks: investigating the band structures, photonic bandgaps, and defect states within conservative systems to achieve precise control over light propagation and localization. (e.g., (Wu & Yang*, 2019))
non-Hermitian waveguide networks: exploring parity-time (\(\mathcal{PT}\)) symmetry, exceptional points, and loss-gain dynamics to unveil anomalous wave phenomena and asymmetric light transport. (e.g., (Li et al., 2020; Zhi et al., 2018; Wu*, 2019))
advanced applications: translating the exotic properties of artificial superlattices into practical functional devices, such as robust optical isolators, topological lasers, and high-precision physical sensors. (e.g., (Wu & Yang*, 2019))
on-chip integration: miniaturizing macroscopic waveguide network models into compact, scalable planar lightwave circuits to facilitate practical integrated photonic systems. (also see project: integrated photonic devices and chips

An optical switch composed of a network of waveguide.

We are looking forward to new talent and fresh perspectives to join our endeavor.

References

2020

Extraordinary characteristics of one-dimensional PT-symmetric ring optical waveguide networks with near-isometric and isometric arms

Haiying Li, Xiangbo Yang^*, Jiaye Wu, and Xuhang Wu

EPL (Europhysics Letters), Sep 2020

DOI Bib HTML

@article{Li2020,
  title = {Extraordinary characteristics of one-dimensional {{PT-symmetric}} ring optical waveguide networks with near-isometric and isometric arms},
  author = {Li, Haiying and Yang, Xiangbo and Wu, Jiaye and Wu, Xuhang},
  year = {2020},
  month = sep,
  journal = {EPL (Europhysics Letters)},
  volume = {131},
  number = {5},
  pages = {54001},
  issn = {1286-4854},
  doi = {10.1209/0295-5075/131/54001},
}

2019

Theoretical Design of a Pump‐Free Ultrahigh Efficiency All‐Optical Switching Based on a Defect Ring Optical Waveguide Network

Jiaye Wu and Xiangbo Yang^*

Annalen der Physik, Feb 2019

DOI Bib HTML

@article{Wu2019,
  title = {{Theoretical Design of a Pump‐Free Ultrahigh Efficiency All‐Optical Switching Based on a Defect Ring Optical Waveguide Network}},
  author = {Wu, Jiaye and Yang, Xiangbo},
  year = {2019},
  month = feb,
  journal = {Annalen der Physik},
  volume = {531},
  number = {2},
  pages = {1800258},
  issn = {00033804},
  doi = {10.1002/andp.201800258},
  lccn = {4},
}

Beat-like frequency pattern of extraordinary transmission and reflection in PT-symmetric fibonacci aperiodic optical networks of waveguide rings

Jiaye Wu^*

Physics Letters A, Oct 2019

DOI Bib HTML

@article{Wu2019f,
  title = {Beat-like frequency pattern of extraordinary transmission and reflection in {{PT-symmetric}} fibonacci aperiodic optical networks of waveguide rings},
  author = {Wu, Jiaye},
  year = {2019},
  month = oct,
  journal = {Physics Letters A},
  volume = {383},
  number = {29},
  pages = {125915},
  issn = {03759601},
  doi = {10.1016/j.physleta.2019.125915},
  lccn = {3},
}

2018

Extraordinary characteristics for one-dimensional parity-time-symmetric periodic ring optical waveguide networks

Yan Zhi, Xiangbo Yang^*, Jiaye Wu, Shiping Du, Peichao Cao, Dongmei Deng, and Chengyi Timon Liu

Photonics Research, Jun 2018

DOI Bib HTML

@article{Zhi2018,
  title = {Extraordinary characteristics for one-dimensional parity-time-symmetric periodic ring optical waveguide networks},
  author = {Zhi, Yan and Yang, Xiangbo and Wu, Jiaye and Du, Shiping and Cao, Peichao and Deng, Dongmei and Liu, Chengyi Timon},
  year = {2018},
  month = jun,
  journal = {Photonics Research},
  volume = {6},
  number = {6},
  pages = {579--586},
  issn = {2327-9125},
  doi = {10.1364/PRJ.6.000579},
  lccn = {1},
}