Super‐Robust Telecommunications Enabled by Topological Half‐Supermodes
Abstract
Topological photonics offer transformative potential for robust integrated waveguide devices due to their backscattering-immune properties. However, their integration faces two fundamental challenges: mode symmetry mismatch with conventional waveguides and prohibitive dimensions. We successfully overcome these two critical challenges by introducing a novel valley-ridge gap waveguide based on topological half-supermode engineering. By strategically hybridizing ridge waveguide modes and valley kink states, we create an exotic odd-symmetric supermode enabling robust propagation and ultra-compact operation. The further implementation of a perfect electric conductor boundary halves the lateral dimensions while eliminating radiation loss. Crucially, our proposed valley-ridge interface achieves direct transverse electric mode matching with standard waveguides without transition structures, enabling seamless integration. Experimental results demonstrate reflection losses lower than -15 dB in realistic telecommunication scenarios with super-robust signal propagation through sharp bends. This work innovatively conceptualizes topological half-supermodes and pioneers their practical applications for integrated waveguide devices, establishing a completely new waveguide class that uniquely combines robust backscattering immunity with deep subwavelength compactness.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Topological Materials and Phenomena
Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications
Plasmonic and Surface Plasmon Research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Advanced Science
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Volume
- 13
- Issue
- 13
- Pages
- e15157–e15157
- Publication date
- 9 January 2026
- Language
- EN