A Principle of Non‐Hermitian Wave Modulators by Indefinitely Small Physical Controls

Interferometers and resonant cavities are indispensable driving mechanisms for compact, high‐speed, and low‐power modulators and switches in modern signal processing systems. However, their limitations in key performance metrics critically restrict present data‐processing capabilities. Here, a compl...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Laser & photonics reviews 2023-06, Vol.17 (6), p.n/a
Main Authors: Choi, Youngsun, Choi, Yu Sung, Song, Seok Ho, Yu, Kyoungsik, Moiseyev, Nimrod, Yoon, Jae Woong
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
adiabatic processes
exceptional points
Modulators
non‐Hermitian Hamiltonians
optical waveguides
Performance measurement
Principles
Signal processing
Switches
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Summary:Interferometers and resonant cavities are indispensable driving mechanisms for compact, high‐speed, and low‐power modulators and switches in modern signal processing systems. However, their limitations in key performance metrics critically restrict present data‐processing capabilities. Here, a completely different wave‐modulation mechanism is proposed based on non‐Hermitian dynamics near an exceptional point (EP) singularity. The proposed modulator is enabled by EP‐bypassing adiabatic processes that exclusively select different final states depending on active trigger signal possibly at indefinitely small magnitude in principle. Importantly, this operation principle does not involve any explicit frequency‐dispersive feature in stark contrast to interference or resonance effects. In addition, it can be implemented in available device‐engineering platforms such as integrated optical circuits. Therefore, it is of great interest to further investigate the proposed principle for improved signal‐processing systems on forthcoming demand. A non‐Hermitian branch‐point singularity referred to as exceptional point enables a robust wave‐switching mechanism by configuring slow adiabatic processes such that a system closely bypasses the singularity. This approach is applicable for developing optical switches and modulators that do not require any frequency‐selective effects such as interferences and resonances which have been indispensable so far.
ISSN:1863-8880
1863-8899
DOI:10.1002/lpor.202200580