arXiv subjects

Armandas Balčytis

Publications and source records attributed to Armandas Balčytis.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Topological characterization of a reconfigurable synthetic-frequency SSH lattice on an integrated lithium-niobate platform

Synthetic frequency dimensions provide a powerful and highly reconfigurable platform for topological photonics. However, experimentally identifying their topological phases remains challenging because these systems do not naturally provide well-defined boundaries or readily accessible edge-state signatures. Here, we realize a reconfigurable Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) lattice in a synthetic frequency dimension using an integrated thin-film lithium-niobate photonic molecule and directly measure its topology. Electro-optic coupling between staggered resonator supermodes enables independent control of the effective intra-cell and inter-cell hopping strengths, enabling dynamic switching between trivial and non-trivial topological phases on the same chip. We validate the transition through two independently derived bulk topological invariants: direct retrieval of Zak phase from time-resolved synthetic-dimension band-structure spectroscopy; and extraction of the winding number using mean-chiral-displacement method from site-resolved steady-state measurements. Both approaches consistently identify the topological transition and agree closely with theoretical predictions. Our results demonstrate experimentally accessible, boundary-independent methods for characterizing topology in synthetic-frequency lattices. More broadly, the integrated and dynamically reconfigurable photonic platform provides a scalable framework for bulk topological characterization and programmable topological photonic systems.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2026

Bounded frequency lattices in integrated lithium niobate coupled ring cavities

Synthetic dimensions provide a powerful tool that uses comparatively simple structures to probe high-dimensional topological physics, in which edge states emerging at lattice boundaries are of great importance. However, the demonstration of lattice boundaries in synthetic dimensions is relatively nascent. In this work, we realize an integrated coupled ring system in a thin-film lithium niobate photonic platform that enables the simulation of one-dimensional frequency crystal lattice with sharp boundaries, attaining suppression for two coupling terms with a single auxiliary cavity. Their effect on tight-binding lattice dynamics was verified by acquiring discretized band structures of an N = 7 site lattice. The ability to create robust frequency-space boundaries is a key step toward the realization of topological systems that harness bulk-edge correspondence as well as optical information processing in a photonic chip.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2022

Recirculating Light Phase Modulator

High efficiency and a compact footprint are desired properties for electro-optic modulators. In this paper, we propose, theoretically investigate and experimentally demonstrate a recirculating phase modulator, which increases the modulation efficiency by modulating the optical field several times in a non-resonant waveguide structure. The 'recycling' of light is achieved by looping the optical path that exits the phase modulator back and coupling it to a higher order waveguide mode, which then repeats its passage through the phase modulator. By looping the light back twice, we were able to demonstrate a recirculating phase modulator that requires nine times lower power to generate the same modulation index of a single pass phase modulator. This approach of modulation efficiency enhancement is promising for the design of advanced tunable electro optical frequency comb generators and other electro-optical devices with defined operational frequency bandwidths.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2021

Synthetic dimension band structures on a Si CMOS photonic platform

Synthetic dimensions, which simulate spatial coordinates using non-spatial degrees of freedom, are drawing interest in topological science and other fields for modelling higher-dimensional phenomena on simple structures. We present the first realization of a synthetic frequency dimension on a silicon ring resonator photonic device fabricated using a CMOS process. We confirm that its coupled modes correspond to a 1D tight-binding model through acquisition of up to 280 GHz bandwidth optical frequency comb-like spectra, and by measuring the first synthetic band structures on an integrated device. Furthermore, we realized two types of gauge potentials along the frequency dimension, and probed their effects through the associated band structures. An electric field analogue was produced via modulation detuning, whereas effective magnetic fields were induced using synchronized nearest- and second-nearest-neighbor coupling. Creation of coupled mode lattices and two effective forces on a monolithic Si CMOS device represents a key step towards wider adoption of topological principles.

physics.optics↗