One-way light flow by spatio-temporal modulation.
Opt Express
; 31(9): 14278-14285, 2023 Apr 24.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-37157295
ABSTRACT
The unidirectional flow of electrons that takes place in a conventional electronic diode has been a cornerstone in the development of the field of electronics. Achieving an equivalent one-way flow for light has been a long-standing problem. While a number of concepts have been suggested recently, attaining a unidirectional flow of light in a two-port system (e.g., a waveguiding configuration) is still challenging. Here, we present what we believe to be a novel approach for breaking reciprocity and achieving one-way flow of light. Taking a nanoplasmonic waveguide as an example, we show that a combination of time-dependent interband optical transitions, when in systems exhibiting a backward wave flow, can yield light transmission strictly in one direction. In our configuration, the energy flow is unidirectional light is fully reflected in one direction of propagation, and is unperturbed in the other. The concept can find use in a range of applications including communications, smart windows, thermal radiation management, and solar energy harvesting.
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1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Opt Express
Assunto da revista:
OFTALMOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2023
Tipo de documento:
Article