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arXiv · 2512.14974

Observation of non-Hermitian point gap in photonic crystals

Yuto Moritake·Nozomi Ogawa·Issei Takeda·Yusuke Ohinata·Takahiro Uemura·Taiki Yoda·Kenta Takata·Eiichi Kuramochi·Hisashi Sumikura·Masaya Notomi
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Abstract

Non-Hermitian point gap (NHPG) is a unique phenomenon in non-Hermitian systems and induces non-Hermitian skin effect (NHSE). In photonic crystals, NHPG and the NHSE have previously been explored mainly through material loss, where the typically low $Q$ factors make direct observation of complex frequencies challenging. Here, we demonstrate the direct experimental observation of an NHPG by using a radiation-loss-based non-Hermitian photonic crystal. Radiation loss can be engineered through structural design, enabling control of the imaginary part of the complex frequency and allowing relatively high $Q$ factors. This approach is compatible with widely used absorption-free silicon-slab photonic crystals. We developed a measurement system that can measure photonic bands along arbitrary lines in $k$-space. Our measurements demonstrated direct observation of the NHPG in photonic crystals, and the reversal of non-Hermitian topology through the flip of loop rotation in a complex plane. Our platform, which requires neither gain media nor synthetic dimensions, establishes radiation-loss engineering as a simple and versatile route for photonic functionality using an NHSE in nanophotonic systems.

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Yuto Moritake, Nozomi Ogawa, Issei Takeda, Yusuke Ohinata, Takahiro Uemura, Taiki Yoda, Kenta Takata, Eiichi Kuramochi, Hisashi Sumikura, Masaya Notomi. 2025-12-17. Observation of non-Hermitian point gap in photonic crystals. https://doi.org/10.1103/vsx1-17cl

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