Geometric control of next-nearest-neighbor coupling in evanescently coupled dielectric waveguides.

We experimentally demonstrate that the next-nearest-neighbor-coupling (NNN-coupling) in an array of waveguides can naturally be negative. To do so, dielectric zig-zag shaped waveguide arrays are fabricated with direct laser writing (DLW). By changing the angle of the zig-zag shape it is possible to tune between positive and negative ratios of nearest and next-nearest-neighbor coupling, which also allows to reduce the impact of the NNN-coupling to zero at the correct respective angle. We confirm the existence of negative NNN-couplings experimentally and show the improved accuracy of a refined tight-binding model. Our results are also of importance for other discrete systems in which the tight-binding model is often used.

Limits of topological protection under local periodic driving.

The bulk-edge correspondence guarantees that the interface between two topologically distinct insulators supports at least one topological edge state that is robust against static perturbations. Here, we address the question of how dynamic perturbations of the interface affect the robustness of edge states. We illuminate the limits of topological protection for Floquet systems in the special case of a static bulk. We use two independent dynamic quantum simulators based on coupled plasmonic and dielectric photonic waveguides to implement the topological Su-Schriefer-Heeger model with convenient control of the full space- and time-dependence of the Hamiltonian. Local time-periodic driving of the interface does not change the topological character of the system but nonetheless leads to dramatic changes of the edge state, which becomes rapidly depopulated in a certain frequency window. A theoretical Floquet analysis shows that the coupling of Floquet replicas to the bulk bands is responsible for this effect. Additionally, we determine the depopulation rate of the edge state and compare it to numerical simulations.

Waveguides in three-dimensional photonic-bandgap materials by direct laser writing and silicon double inversion.

Three-dimensional complete photonic-bandgap materials offer unique opportunities regarding the integration of optical waveguide architectures in three dimensions. However, corresponding experimental realizations are truly sparse. Here, we fabricate such waveguides using direct laser writing and a silicon double-inversion procedure. The optical characterization is in good agreement with theoretical calculations, raising hopes that even more complex architectures may soon come into reach.

Fabrication and characterization of silicon woodpile photonic crystals with a complete bandgap at telecom wavelengths.

By using direct laser writing into a novel commercially available photoresist and a silicon-double-inversion procedure followed by tempering of the silicon structures, we realize high-quality centered-tetragonal woodpile photonic crystals with complete photonic bandgaps near 1.55 microm wavelength. The 6.9% gap-to-midgap ratio bandgap is evidenced by the comparison of measured transmittance and reflectance spectra with band-structure and scattering-matrix calculations.

Three-dimensional chiral photonic superlattices.

We investigate three-dimensional photonic superlattices composed of polymeric helices in various spatial checkerboard-like arrangements. Depending on the relative phase shift and handedness of the chiral building blocks, different circular-dichroism resonances appear or are suppressed. Samples corresponding to four different configurations are fabricated by direct laser writing. The measured optical transmittance spectra are in good agreement with numerical calculations.

Layer-by-layer three-dimensional chiral photonic crystals.

We fabricate and characterize polymeric three-dimensional layer-by-layer chiral photonic crystals. The obtained circular dichroism from polarization stop bands is comparable with that of recently demonstrated circular-spiral photonic crystals. Moreover, telecommunication wavelengths are easily accessible with the layer-by-layer approach; even visible wavelengths are in reach.

3D-2D-3D photonic crystal heterostructures fabricated by direct laser writing.

Using direct laser writing, we fabricate photoresist templates for 3D-2D-3D photonic crystal heterostructures for what we believe to be the first time. The optical properties of these structures are directly compared with the theoretical ideal, revealing good agreement and hence good sample quality. This provides an experimental starting point for the microfabrication and testing of broadband, 3D air-waveguide microcircuitry in photonic bandgap materials.

Autocorrelation spectroscopy on single ultrathin layers of CdSe/ZnSe: hints for a non-thermal distribution of excitons in quantum islands.

Autocorrelation spectroscopy on the basis of thousands of individual near-field photoluminescence spectra of single ultrathin CdSe layers at low temperatures exhibits a strong positive correlation peak around 18 meV energy with a width of 5 meV. Using simulations and experiments as a function of temperature and laser intensity, we can exclude interpretations along the lines of biexcitons or phonon sidebands. We attribute this feature to the splitting of ground state and an excited state in individual quantum islands. This interpretation implies that the potential minima are rather uniform in size and that the distribution of excitons is nonthermal.

The depolarization near-field scanning optical microscope: comparison of experiment and theory.

The depolarization near-field scanning optical microscope allows for sub-wavelength optical resolution with uncoated optical fibre tips. We show by a simple thought experiment, by numerical solution of the Maxwell equations for a realistic geometry, and by direct experiments, that this novel apparatus images gradients of the dielectric function of a sample in the direction of the incident electric field vector. The near-field images obtained from experiment and theory agree well.