Realization of a three-dimensional photonic higher-order topological insulator
Abstract The discovery of photonic higher-order topological insulators (HOTIs) has expanded our understanding of band topology, offering robust lower-dimensional boundary states for photonic devices. However, realizing three-dimensional (3D) photonic HOTIs remains challenging due to the vectorial an...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Nature Communications |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-58051-7 |
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| Summary: | Abstract The discovery of photonic higher-order topological insulators (HOTIs) has expanded our understanding of band topology, offering robust lower-dimensional boundary states for photonic devices. However, realizing three-dimensional (3D) photonic HOTIs remains challenging due to the vectorial and leaky nature of electromagnetic waves. Here, we present the experimental realization of a 3D Wannier-type photonic HOTI using a tight-binding-like metal-cage photonic crystal, whose band structures align with a 3D tight-binding model via confined Mie resonances. Microwave near-field measurements reveal coexisting topological surface, hinge, and corner states in a single 3D photonic HOTI, consistent with theoretical predictions. Remarkably, these states are robust and self-guided even within the light cone continuum, functioning without ancillary cladding. This work paves the way for multi-dimensional manipulation of electromagnetic waves on 3D cladding-free photonic bandgap materials, enabling practical applications in 3D topological integrated photonic devices. |
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| ISSN: | 2041-1723 |