DOE OSTI · 3004321
Topological photonic crystal fiber
Abstract
Photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) provide a versatile platform for various applications, thanks to the flexibility with which light guiding can be customized by modifying the fiber geometry. We realize a PCF with guided modes produced by photonic band structure topology rather than conventional mode-trapping mechanisms. The design, which is compatible with the stack-and-draw fabrication process, consists of a cross-sectional photonic topological crystalline insulator with a disclination. A bulk-defect correspondence produces degenerate topological modes, lying below the cladding light line. We use various theoretical methods to confirm their topological origins, including a spectral localizer that makes minimal assumptions about the band structure. Our experiments on the fabricated fiber show it transmitting visible to near-infrared light with low losses of 10 to 20 decibels per kilometer, which do not increase substantially when the fiber is bent. A comparable solid-core PCF of conventional design exhibits substantially higher bending losses. Optical fibers based on topological modes hold promise for improved performance and versatile functionalities.
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Zhu, Bofeng [Nanyang Technological Univ. (Singapore)] (ORCID:0009000261896229), Hean, Kevin [Nanyang Technological Univ. (Singapore)] (ORCID:0009000732550209), Wong, Stephan Manua [Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States). Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies] (ORCID:0000000238905361), Wang, Yuxi [Nanyang Technological Univ. (Singapore)], Banerjee, Rimi [Nanyang Technological Univ. (Singapore)] (ORCID:0000000158402756), Xue, Haoran [The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Ma Liu Shui, Shatin (Hong Kong)] (ORCID:0000000210401137), Wang, Qiang [Nanjing Univ. (China)] (ORCID:0000000334076444), Cerjan, Alexander Witte [Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States). Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies] (ORCID:0000000243627300), Wang, Qi Jie [Nanyang Technological Univ. (Singapore)] (ORCID:0000000299101455), Chang, Wonkeun [Nanyang Technological Univ. (Singapore)] (ORCID:0000000207350447), Chong, Yidong [Nanyang Technological Univ. (Singapore)] (ORCID:0000000286497884). 2025-11-14. Topological photonic crystal fiber. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ady1476
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