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Gennady Shvets

Publications and source records attributed to Gennady Shvets.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
arXiv2020

Electron energization in upstream of collisionless electron/ion shocks produced by interpenetrating plasmas

We discuss the mechanism of electron energization in the upstream region of relativistic e/i shock. By using particle-in-cell simulations, we demonstrate the electrons interacting with enhanced electric and magnetic fields of the magnetic vortices (MVs) can gain a significant amount of energy during interaction. MVs are self generated in the upstream region of relativistic electron-ion shock.

physics.plasm-ph↗
arXiv2020

A Topology-Controlled Photonic Cavity Based on the Near-Conservation of the Valley Degree of Freedom

We demonstrate a novel path to localizing topologically-nontrivial photonic edge modes along their propagation direction. Our approach is based on the near-conservation of the photonic valley degree of freedom associated with valley-polarized edge states. When the edge state is reflected from a judiciously oriented mirror, its optical energy is localized at the mirror surface because of an extended time delay required for valley-index-flipping. The degree of energy localization at the resulting topology-controlled photonic cavity (TCPC) is determined by the valley-flipping time, which is in turn controlled by the geometry of the mirror. Intuitive analytic descriptions of the "leaky" and closed TCPCs are presented, and two specific designs--one for the microwave and the other for the optical spectral ranges--are proposed.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗
arXiv2019

Overcoming the efficiency-bandwidth tradeoff for optical harmonics generation using nonlinear time-variant resonators

Highly resonant photonic structures, such as cavities and metasurfaces, can dramatically enhance the efficiency of nonlinear processes by utilizing strong optical field enhancement at the resonance. The latter, however, comes at the expense of the bandwidth. Here, we overcome such tradeoff by utilizing time-varying resonant structures. Using harmonics generation as an example, we show that the amplitude and phase format of the excitation, as well as the time evolution of the resonator, can be optimized to yield the strongest nonlinear response. We find the conditions for an efficient synthesis of electromagnetic signals that surpass the cavity bandwidth, and discuss a potential experimental realization of this concept.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2019

Topologically Protected Photonic Modes in Composite Quantum Hall/Quantum Spin Hall Waveguides

Photonic topological systems, the electromagnetic analog of the topological materials in condensed matter physics, create many opportunities to design optical devices with novel properties. We present an experimental realization of the bi-anisotropic meta waveguide photonic system replicating both quantum Hall (QH) and quantum spin-Hall (QSH) topological insulating phases. With careful design, a composite QH-QSH photonic topological material is created and experimentally shown to support reflection-free edgemodes, a heterogeneous topological structure that is unprecedented in condensed matter physics. The effective spin degree of freedom of such topologically protected modes determines their unique pathways through these systems, free from backscattering and able to travel around sharp corners. {As an example of their novel properties, we experimentally demonstrate reflection-less photonic devices including a 2-port isolator, a unique 3-port topological device, and a full 4-port circulator based on composite QH and QSH structures

cond-mat.mes-hall↗
arXiv2019

Transition radiation in photonic topological crystals: quasi-resonant excitation of robust edge states by a moving charge

We demonstrate, theoretically and experimentally, that a traveling electric charge passing from one photonic crystal into another generates edge waves -- electromagnetic modes with frequencies inside the common photonic bandgap localized at the interface -- via a process of transition edge-wave radiation (TER). A simple and intuitive expression for the TER spectral density is derived and then applied to a specific structure: two interfacing photonic topological insulators with opposite spin-Chern indices. We show that TER breaks the time-reversal symmetry and enables valley- and spin-polarized generation of topologically protected edge waves propagating in one or both directions along the interface. Experimental measurements at the Argonne Wakefield Accelerator Facility are consistent with the excitation and localization of the edge waves. The concept of TER paves the way for novel particle accelerators and detectors.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2019

Photonic emulation of two-dimensional materials with antiferromagnetic order

We introduce an electromagnetic metamaterial - a spin-valley photonic topological insulator (SV-PTI) - that emulates a wide class of theoretically predicted gapped two-dimensional materials with antiferromagnetic order coupled to the valley degree of freedom. First-principles electromagnetic simulations and an analytic model reveal that a single parameter controls the propagation properties of the chiral states at the domain wall between two SV-PTIs: their group velocity, polarization, and the existence/absence of topological protection. The latter is determined by the geometry of the line of the least frequency separation between the bandgap-forming propagation bands. Topologically-protected compression of electromagnetic energy via group velocity control is enabled by SV-PTIs.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗
arXiv2019

Nonlinear manifestations of photon acceleration in time-dependent metasurfaces: tunable broadband harmonics generation

Time-dependent nonlinear media, such as rapidly generated plasmas produced via laser ionization of gases, can increase the energy of individual laser photons and generate tunable high-order harmonic pulses. This phenomenon, known as photon acceleration, has traditionally required extreme-intensity laser pulses and macroscopic propagation lengths. Here, we report on a novel nonlinear material$-$an ultrathin semiconductor metasurface$-$that exhibits efficient photon acceleration at low intensities. We observe a signature nonlinear manifestation of photon acceleration: third-harmonic generation of near-infrared photons with tunable frequencies reaching up to $\approx3.1ω$. A simple time-dependent coupled-mode theory, found to be in good agreement with experimental results, is utilized to predict a new path towards nonlinear radiation sources that combine resonant upconversion with broadband operation.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2018

Direct laser acceleration of electrons by tightly focused laser pulses

We present an analytical theory that reveals the importance of the longitudinal laser electric field in the resonant acceleration of relativistic electrons by the tightly confined laser beam. It is shown that this field always counterworks to the laser transverse component and effectively decreases the final energy gain of electrons through direct laser acceleration mechanism. This effect is demonstrated by carrying out the particle-in-cell simulations in the setup where the wakefield in the plasma bubble is compensated by the longitudinal laser electric field experienced by the accelerated electrons. The derived scalings and estimates are in good agreement with numerical simulations.

physics.plasm-ph↗
arXiv2018

Spin-valley-controlled photonic topological insulator

The discovery of photonic topological insulators (PTIs) has opened the door to fundamentally new topological states of light.Current time-reversal-invariant PTIs emulate either the quantum spin Hall (QSH) effect or the quantum valley Hall (QVH) effect in condensed-matter systems, in order to achieve topological transport of photons whose propagation is predetermined by either 'photonic pseudospin' (abbreviated as 'spin') or valley. Here we demonstrate a new class of PTIs, whose topological phase is not determined solely by spin or valley, but is controlled by the competition between their induced gauge fields. Such a competition is enabled by tuning the strengths of spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and inversion-symmetry breaking in a single PTI. An unprecedented topological transition between QSH and QVH phases that is hard to achieve in condensed-matter systems is demonstrated. Our study merges the emerging fields of spintronics and valleytronics in the same photonic platform, and offers novel PTIs with reconfigurable topological phases.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2018

Active Valley-topological Plasmonic Crystal in Metagate-tuned Graphene

A valley plasmonic crystal for graphene surface plasmons (GSPs) is proposed. We demonstrate that a designer metagate, placed within a few nanometers from graphene, can be used to impose a triangular periodic Fermi energy landscape on the latter. For specific metagate geometries and bias voltages, the combined metagate-graphene structure is shown to produce sufficiently strong Bragg scattering of GSPs to produce complete propagation bandgaps, and to impart the GSPs with nontrivial valley-linked topological properties. Valley-selective kink states supported by a domain wall between differently patterned metagates are shown to propagate without reflections along sharply curved interfaces owing to suppressed inter-valley scattering. Our approach paves the way for non-magnetic dynamically reconfigurable topological nanophotonic devices.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗
arXiv2018

Light, the universe, and everything -- 12 Herculean tasks for quantum cowboys and black diamond skiers

The Winter Colloquium on the Physics of Quantum Electronics (PQE) has been a seminal force in quantum optics and related areas since 1971. It is rather mindboggling to recognize how the concepts presented at these conferences have transformed scientific understanding and human society. In January, 2017, the participants of PQE were asked to consider the equally important prospects for the future, and to formulate a set of questions representing some of the greatest aspirations in this broad field. The result is this multi-authored paper, in which many of the world's leading experts address the following fundamental questions: (1) What is the future of gravitational wave astronomy? (2) Are there new quantum phases of matter away from equilibrium that can be found and exploited - such as the time crystal? (3) Quantum theory in uncharted territory: What can we learn? (4) What are the ultimate limits for laser photon energies? (5) What are the ultimate limits to temporal, spatial, and optical resolution? (6) What novel roles will atoms play in technology? (7) What applications lie ahead for nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond? (8) What is the future of quantum coherence, squeezing, and entanglement for enhanced superresolution and sensing? (9) How can we solve (some of) humanity's biggest problems through new quantum technologies? (10) What new understanding of materials and biological molecules will result from their dynamical characterization with free electron lasers? (11) What new technologies and fundamental discoveries might quantum optics achieve by the end of this century? (12) What novel topological structures can be created and employed in quantum optics?

quant-ph↗
arXiv2018

Perfect Diffraction with Bianisotropic Metagratings

One highly desirable function of a diffraction grating is its ability to deflect incident light into a specific diffraction order with near-perfect efficiency. While such asymmetry can be achieved in a variety of ways, e.g., by using a sawtooth (blazed) geometry, a recently emerged approach is to use a planar metagrating comprised of designer multi-resonant periodic units (metamolecules). Here we demonstrate that a bianisotropic unit cell supporting four resonances interfering in the far field can be used as a building block for achieving the prefect deflection. A coupled mode analysis shows that these modes provide a small number of orthogonal electromagnetic radiation patterns that are needed to suppress transmission/reflection into all but one diffraction order. Bianisotropy caused by a mirror symmetry breaking enables a normally incident wave to excite, through near-field couplings, two otherwise "dark" resonant modes. We design and experimentally realize bianisotropic metamolecules which are sub-wavelength in all three dimensions, and whose optical properties are desensitized to fabrication imperfections by their geometric simplicity. We show that optical beams tightly focused onto the metagratings with just a few unit cells can also be asymmetrically deflected with high efficiency, paving the way for compact broadband optical devices.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2017

Ultrathin wave plates based on bi-resonant silicon Huygens' metasurfaces

An all-dielectric Huygens metasurface supporting electric and magnetic resonances is a promising platform for a variety of optical applications that require a combination of extremely high transmission and broad-range control of the phase of the transmitted light. A highly efficient wave plate is one example of such an application. In combination with high spectral selectivity and strong optical energy concentration, such phase plates are desirable for precision sensing and high efficiency nonlinear optics. We propose a novel approach to realizing such ultra-thin optical plates: an anisotropic Fano-resonant optical metasurface (AFROM) employing the combination of a spectrally sharp electric and a relatively broadband magnetic resonance. The phase shift coverage approaching 2π is achieved through judicious choice of the geometric parameters of a complex unit cell. A new methodology based on eigenvalue simulations of leaky magnetic/electric resonances enables rapid computational design of such metasurfaces.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2017

Sorting and Routing Topologically Protected Edge States by their Valleys

We experimentally demonstrate and characterize a photonic platform containing heterogeneous topological phases. This platform is shown to support valley-spin locked edge states that can be routed based on their spin and valley degrees of freedom. The routing is accomplished by changing the topology of the valley photonic crystal embedded inside a spin-Hall photonic crystal.

physics.app-ph↗
arXiv2017

Nonlinear plasma waves driven by short ultrarelativistic electron bunches

We advance a theory of quasistatic approximation and investigate the excitation of nonlinear plasma waves by the driving beam of ultrarelativistic electrons using novel electrostatic-like particle- in-cell code. Assuming that the beam occupies an infinitesimally small volume, we find the radius and length of the plasma bubble formed in the wake of the driver for varying values of the beam charge. The mechanism of the bubble formation is explained by developing simple models of the bubble at large charges. Plasma electrons expelled by the driver charge excite secondary plasma waves which complicate the plasma electron flow near the bubble boundary.

physics.plasm-ph↗
arXiv2017

Topologically-protected refraction of robust kink states in valley photonic crystals

Recently discovered valley photonic crystals (VPCs) mimic many of the unusual properties of two-dimensional gapped valleytronic materials such as bilayer graphene or MoS2. Of the utmost interest to optical communications is their ability to support topologically protected chiral edge (kink) states at the internal domain wall between two VPCs with spectrally overlapping bandgap zones and opposite half-integer valley-Chern indices. We experimentally demonstrate the robustness of the kink states in VPCs that support degenerate transverse-electric-like (TE) and transverse-magnetic-like (TM) topological phases, thus enabling polarization multiplexing in a single topological waveguide. The propagation direction of the kink states is locked to the valleys of the reverse Brave lattice and, therefore, cannot be reversed in the absence of inter-valley scattering. At the intersection between the internal domain wall and the external edge separating the VPCs from free space, the kink states are shown to exhibit >97% out-coupling efficiency into directional free-space beams. This constitutes the first experimental demonstration of meron-like valley-projected topological phases with half-integer valley-Chern indices.

physics.optics↗
arXiv2017

Electrical Tuning of Polarizaion-state Using Graphene-Integrated Metasurfaces

Plasmonic metasurfaces have been employed for tuning and controlling light enabling various novel applications. Their appeal is enhanced with the incorporation of an active element with the metasurfaces paving the way for dynamic control. In this letter, we realize a dynamic polarization state generator using graphene-integrated anisotropic metasurface (GIAM), where a linear incidence polarization is controllably converted into an elliptical one. The anisotropic metasurface leads to an intrinsic polarization conversion when illuminated with non-orthogonal incident polarization. Additionally, the single-layer graphene allows us to tune the phase and intensity of the reflected light on the application of a gate voltage, enabling dynamic polarization control. The stokes polarization parameters of the reflected light are measured using rotating polarizer method and it is demonstrated that a large change in the ellipticity as well as orientation angle can be induced by this device. We also provide experimental evidence that the titl angle can change independent of the ellipticity going from positive values to nearly zero to negative values while ellipticity is constant.

physics.optics↗