Optical Materials Express Feature

Photonic Topological Materials

Submission Opens:1 October 2020

Submission Deadline: 15 November 2020

Topology is a remarkable framework for the implementation of new functionalities in photonic circuits. Its hallmark is the emergence of propagating states at the interface between two photonic lattices. These states show unidirectional propagation and possess topological protection against disorder and deformations of the lattice. Since the first observation of topological interface states, the field has generated a number of notable phenomena: unidirectional edge transport, topological lasing, non-reciprocal behavior, topological transport of entangled photon states, synthesis of Weyl points and Fermi arcs for photons, lattices with topology in synthetic dimensions, and parity-time symmetric topological phases. The development of these phenomena requires specific engineering of photonic materials, and has brought these features to microwave, telecom, and visible wavelengths. The purpose of this feature issue is to review the materials and designs that have permitted these advances.

This feature issue will focus on the recent developments in photonic materials and designs to implement topological phases of light.

Topics to be covered include but are not limited to:

  • Silicon resonators for topology
  • Coupled waveguides in fused silica
  • Active resonators for topological lasers
  • Topological 3D metamaterials
  • Exciton-polaritons for topology
  • Microwave lattices for topology
  • Photorefractive materials for topology
  • Photonic crystals for topology
  • Ferrite microwave materials
  • Optomechanical systems for topology

All papers need to present original, previously unpublished work, and will be subject to the normal criteria and peer-review process of the Journal. The standard OMEx publication charges will apply to all published articles.

Manuscripts must be prepared according to the usual guidelines for submission to Optical Materials Express and must be submitted online through OSA's electronic submission system. When submitting, authors should specify that the manuscript is for the "Photonic topological materials" feature issue (choose from the drop-down menu).

Feature Issue Guest Editors

Alberto Amo, CNRS—Laboratory PhLAM—University of Lille, France (Lead Editor)
Tomoki Ozawa, RIKEN Wako, Japan
Ramy El-Ganainy, Michigan Technological University, USA