Nonreciprocal lasing in topological cavities of arbitrary geometries

TLDR

Topological lasing resonant cavities confine light and are essential for lasers, but their high‑spec design limits integration into photonic devices and optical circuits. The study aims to relax resonant cavity design criteria to facilitate photonic device integration. The authors fabricated arbitrarily shaped resonant cavities inside a hybrid photonic crystal structure. Lasing at communication wavelengths was achieved by confining light to topologically protected edge states. Bahari et al., Science, issue p.

Abstract

Topological lasing Resonant cavities that confine light are crucial components of lasers. Typically, these cavities are designed to high specification to get the best possible output. That, however, can limit their integration into photonic devices and optical circuits. Bahari et al. fabricated resonant cavities of arbitrary shape within a hybrid photonic crystal structure. The confinement of light to topologically protected edge states resulted in lasing at communication wavelengths. Relaxing the resonant cavity design criteria should be useful in designing photonic devices. Science , this issue p. 636