High tunability and sensitivity of 1D topological photonic crystal heterostructure

A modality to high tunability and sensing performance of one-dimensional (1D) topological photonic crystal (PC) heterostructure is realized based on a new mechanism through 1D topological PC. With inserting a defect aqueous layer as a sandwich between two 1D PCs, the transmittance gradually decreases with the increasing thickness of the defect layer. When the two layers of the topological heterostructure interface are replaced by the defect layer, the tunability, all sensing capabilities have been improved and the principle of topology is preserved. A topologically protected edge state is formed at the heterostructure interface with a highly localized electric field. For glucose sensing, high sensitivity S = 603.753 nm/RIU is obtained at the low detection limit of about DL = 1.22×10^(-4) RIU with high-quality factor Q = 2.33×10^4 and a high figure of merit FOM = 8147.814 RIU^(-1). Besides, the transmittance can be maintained more than 99% at low and/or high glucose concentrations, due to the coupling topological edge mode between defect mode and topological edge state. An excellent platform is examined for the design of a topological photonic sensor which is a flexible platform that can be used for any type of sensor solely by replacing the interface layers with the sensor materials. Thus, our results will promote the development of 1D topological photonic devices.

Solution phase growth and analysis of super-thin zigzag tin selenide nanoribbons

Tin selenide (SnSe), a highly promising layered material, has been garnering particular interest in recent times due to its significant promise for future energy devices. Herein we report a simple solution phase approach for growing highly crystalline layered SnSe nanoribbons. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) was used as a templating agent to selectively passivates the (100) and (001) facets of the SnSe nanoribbons resulting in the unique growth of nanoribbons along their b-axis with a defined zigzag edge state along the sidewalls. The SnSe nanoribbons are few layers thick (~ 20 layers), with mean widths of ~40 nm, and achievable length of > 1 m. Nanoribbons could be produced in relatively high quantities (>150 mg) in a single batch experiment. The PVP coating also offer some resistance to oxidation, with removal of the PVP seen to lead to the formation a SnSe/SnOx core shell structure. The use of non-toxic PVP to replace toxic amines that are typically employed for other 1D forms of SnSe is a significant advantage for sustainable and environmentally friendly applications. Heat transport properties of the SnSe nanoribbons, derived from power dependent Raman spectroscopy, demonstrate the potential of SnSe nanoribbons as thermoelectric material.

Anti-parity-time topologically undefined state

Researches on the topological edge state in the photonic lattice are attracting considerable attention. Here, we report the studies on a particular state for which the topological invariant is undefined. We constructed an anti-parity-time-symmetric photonic lattice by using the perturbation method. Light distributes only in the wide waveguides with equal magnitude for the state with undefined winding numbers. Further studies show that the equal intensity transmission is unaffected except for the defect site. Our work provides a new way to study the topological state and the equally divided light transmission and might be applicable in optical circuits and optical interconnect.

Band Structure and Energy Level Alignment of Chiral Graphene Nanoribbons on Silver Surfaces

Chiral graphene nanoribbons are extremely interesting structures due to their narrow band gaps and potential development of spin-polarized edge states. Here, we study their band structure on low work function silver surfaces. The use of a curved Ag single crystal provides, within the same sample, regions of disparate step structure and step density. Whereas the former leads to distinct azimuthal growth orientations of the graphene nanoribbons atop, the latter modulates the substrate’s work function and thereby the interface energy level alignment. In turn, we disclose the associated charge transfer from the substrate to the ribbon and assess its effect on the nanoribbon’s properties and the edge state magnetization.

Topological Edge States and Transport Properties in Zigzag Stanene Nanoribbons with Magnetism

In this work, we investigate the topological phase transitions and corresponding transport properties in zigzag stanene nanoribbon with different magnetism. The results show that the off-resonant circularly polarized (ORCP) light may induce anisotropic chiral edge state with a magnetic phase transition from antiferromagnetic state to nonmagnetic state. In combination with the ORCP light and electric field, the 100% spin-polarized edge state can be induced with some magnetic orders. The finite-size effect is also an important factor for the magnetic phase transitions, which in turn induces topological phase transitions from the band insulator to topological phases. By constructing the topological-insulator junctions with some topological edge states, we further study the Fabry-Perot resonant, where multiple reflection edge states cause strong current loops. By modulating the ORCP and electric field, the system can also be regarded as a switcher, to control the charge current or spin polarized current. These findings pave a way for designing topological device with magnetic edges in the future nano spintronics.

Direct visualization of edge state in even-layer MnBi2Te4 at zero magnetic field

Being the first intrinsic antiferromagnetic (AFM) topological insulator, MnBi2Te4 is argued to be a topological axion state in its even-layer form due to the antiparallel magnetization between the top and bottom layers. Here we combine both transport and scanning microwave impedance microscopy (sMIM) to investigate such axion state in atomically thin MnBi2Te4 with even-layer thickness at zero magnetic field. While transport measurements show a zero Hall plateau signaturing the axion state, sMIM uncovers an unexpected edge state raising questions regarding the nature of the “axion state”. Based on our model calculation, we propose that the even-layer MnBi2Te4 at zero field is in an AFM quantum spin Hall (QSH) state hosting a pair of helical edge states. Such novel AFM QSH is originated from the combination of half translation symmetry and time-reversal symmetry in MnBi2Te4. Our finding thus signifies the richness of topological phases in MnB2Te4 that has yet to be fully explored.