Chiral and multiple one-way surface states on photonic gyroelectric metamaterials with small Chern number.

ABSTRACT

Topological one-way surface states allow light to pass through sharp corners without reflection. In order to enhance the capability of surface routing devices, multiple one-way surface modes are usually required. Different from previously reported multiple surface modes achieved with large Chern number photonic media, we realize multiple surface waves on a continuous medium with small Chern number, i.e., |C| = 1. The new topological phase is found when the hyperbolic and double semi-ellipsoid-like cone bands are simultaneously gapped by vacuum state. We also find the degeneracy of multiple one-way surface waves in the double semi-ellipsoid-like metamaterials. The propagation direction of the waves is determined by their own ellipticities. Our results may help to construct surface state devices with multiplexing capability and higher coupling efficiency.