Disordered topological graphs enhancing nonlinear phenomena

Abstract

Complex networks play a fundamental role in understanding phenomena from the collective behavior of spins, neural networks, and power grids to the spread of diseases. Topological phenomena in such networks have recently been exploited to preserve the response of systems in the presence of disorder. We propose and demonstrate topological structurally disordered systems with a modal structure that enhances nonlinear phenomena in the topological channels by inhibiting the ultrafast leakage of energy from edge modes to bulk modes. We present the construction of the graph and show that its dynamics enhances the topologically protected photon pair generation rate by an order of magnitude. Disordered nonlinear topological graphs will enable advanced quantum interconnects, efficient nonlinear sources, and light-based information processing for artificial intelligence.

A programmable topological photonic chip

“…Second, most previous observations of topological phenomena rely on static analysis of single or several samples. Comprehensively certificating topological robustness by statistical measurements, and probing interesting statistical topological phenomena such as topological Anderson insulators (TAIs) 33 – 35 and amorphous TIs 36 , 37 , requires the ability to individually programme artificial atoms and their interactions to control disorder. Fabricating a large number of samples with precisely controlled disorder for such statistical analysis is impractical.…”

“…Despite the superiority of topological transport, strong disorder may lead to marked deformation of bands and even disrupt the band topology, but this does not mean the properties of the original TI will completely disappear. Interestingly, under specific conditions, the unidirectional transport of the boundary states will still occur in the presence of strong disorder or even amorphous structures 33 – 37 . Exploring order within areas of disorder is the charm of topology, which particularly requires a highly programmable platform with individual controllability.…”