Co-propagating photonic topological interface states with hybridized pseudo-spins
摘要
Topological interface states in quantum spin Hall systems, which are characterized by spin–momentum locking, enable robust unidirectional propagation for each spin component. Conventionally, such interfaces support only a single topological state in each propagation direction. This limitation impedes applications, such as those requiring multichannel signal switching. Here we demonstrate co-propagating topological interface states in a photonic topological insulator system. This is enabled by a hybridized pseudo-spin-flipping coupling mechanism that occurs across the interface between two topologically identical domains. The coupling mechanism facilitates power transfer and mode switching, which inherit the topological protection of the underlying states in each domain. The incorporation of optical gain further activates flexible switching, even in the presence of geometric defects. Our work introduces a strategy for multichannel topological photonics that could control light propagation in photonic integrated circuits.