arXiv subjects

Zhaoju Yang

Publications and source records attributed to Zhaoju Yang.

26 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2016

Acoustic type-II Weyl nodes from stacking dimerized chains

Lorentz-violating type-II Weyl fermions, which were missed in Weyl's prediction of nowadays classified type-I Weyl fermions in quantum field theory, have recently been proposed in condensed matter systems. The semimetals hosting type-II Weyl fermions offer a rare platform for realizing many exotic physical phenomena that are different from type-I Weyl systems. Here we construct the acoustic version of type-II Weyl Hamiltonian by stacking one-dimensional dimerized chains of acoustic resonators. This acoustic type-II Weyl system exhibits distinct features in finite density of states and unique transport properties of Fermi-arc-like surface states. In a certain momentum space direction, the velocity of these surface states are determined by the tilting direction of the type-II Weyl nodes, rather than the chirality dictated by the Chern number. Our study also provides an approach of constructing acoustic topological phases at different dimensions with the same building blocks.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Realising Type II Weyl Points in an Optical Lattice

The recent discovery of the Lorentz symmetry-violating 'Type II' Weyl semimetal phase has renewed interest in the study of Weyl physics in condensed matter systems. However, tuning the exceptional properties of this novel state has remained a challenge. Optical lattices, created using standing laser beams, provide a convenient platform to tune tunnelling parameters continuously in time. In this paper, we propose a generalised two level system exhibiting type II Weyl points that can be realised using ultra-cold atoms in an optical lattice. The system is engineered using a three-dimensional lattice with complex $π$ phase tunnelling amplitudes. Various unique properties of the type II Weyl semimetal such as open Fermi surface, anomalous chirality and topological Fermi arcs can be probed using the proposed optical lattice scheme.

cond-mat.quant-gas↗

arXiv2016

Topological water wave state in a one-dimensional structure

Topological concepts have been introduced into electronic, photonic, and phononic systems, but have not been studied in surface-water-wave systems. Here we study a one-dimensional periodic resonant surface-water-wave system and demonstrate its topological transition. By selecting three different water depths, we can construct different types of water waves - shallow, intermediate and deep water waves. The periodic surface-water-wave system consists of an array of cylindrical water tanks connected with narrow water channels. As the width of connecting channel varies, the band diagram undergoes a topological transition which can be further characterized by Zak phase. This topological transition holds true for shallow, intermediate and deep water waves. However, the interface state at the boundary separating two topologically distinct arrays of water tanks can exhibit different bands for shallow, intermediate and deep water waves. Our work studies for the first time topological properties of water wave systems, and paves the way to potential management of water waves.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Dynamical Mechanism of Two-Dimensional Plasmon Launching by Swift Electrons

Launching of surface plasmons by swift electrons has long been utilized in electron-energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) to investigate plasmonic properties of ultrathin, or two-dimensional (2D), electron systems. However, its spatio-temporal process has never been revealed. This is because the impact of an electron will generate not only plasmons, but also photons, whose emission cannot be achieved at a single space-time point, as fundamentally determined from the uncertainty principle. Here, we propose that such a space-time limitation also applies to surface plasmon generation in EELS experiment. On the platform of graphene, we demonstrate within the framework of classical electrodynamics that the launching of 2D plasmons by an electron's impact is delayed after a hydrodynamic splashing-like process, which occurs during the plasmonic "formation time" when the electron traverses the "formation zone." Considering this newly revealed process, we show that previous estimates on the yields of graphene plasmons in EELS have been overestimated.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2016

Probing topological protection using a designer surface plasmon structure

Topological photonic states, inspired by robust chiral edge states in topological insulators, have recently been demonstrated in a few photonic systems, including an array of coupled on-chip ring resonators at communication wavelengths. However, the intrinsic difference between electrons and photons determines that the topological protection in time-reversal-invariant photonic systems does not share the same robustness as its counterpart in electronic topological insulators. Here, in a designer surface plasmon platform consisting of tunable metallic sub-wavelength structures, we construct photonic topological edge states and probe their robustness against a variety of defect classes, including some common time-reversal-invariant photonic defects that can break the topological protection, but do not exist in electronic topological insulators. This is also the first experimental realization of anomalous Floquet topological edge states, whose topological phase cannot be predicted by the usual Chern number topological invariants.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2015

Vertical Transport of Subwavelength Localized Surface Electromagnetic Modes

Transport of subwavelength electromagnetic (EM) energy has been achieved through near-field coupling of highly confined surface EM modes supported by plasmonic nanoparticles, in a configuration usually staying on a two-dimensional (2D) substrate. Vertical transport of similar modes along the third dimension, on the other hand, can bring more flexibility in designs of functional photonic devices, but this phenomenon has not been observed in reality. In this paper, designer (or spoof) surface plasmon resonators (plasmonic meta-atoms) are stacked in the direction vertical to their individual planes in demonstrating vertical transport of subwavelength localized surface EM modes. Dispersion relation of this vertical transport is determined from coupled mode theory and is verified with near-field transmission spectrum and field mapping with a microwave near-field scanning stage. This work extends the near-field coupled resonator optical waveguide (CROW) theory into the vertical direction, and may find applications in novel three-dimensional slow light structures, filters, and photonic circuits.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2015

Caustic graphene plasmons with Kelvin angle

A century-long argument made by Lord Kelvin that all swimming objects have an effective Mach number of 3, corresponding to the Kelvin angle of 19.5 degree for ship waves, has been recently challenged with the conclusion that the Kelvin angle should gradually transit to the Mach angle as the ship velocity increases. Here we show that a similar phenomenon can happen for graphene plasmons. By analyzing the caustic wave pattern of graphene plasmons stimulated by a swift charged particle moving uniformly above graphene, we show that at low velocities of the charged particle, the caustics of graphene plasmons form the Kelvin angle. At large velocities of the particle, the caustics disappear and the effective semi-angle of the wave pattern approaches the Mach angle. Our study introduces caustic wave theory to the field of graphene plasmonics, and reveals a novel physical picture of graphene plasmon excitation during electron energy-loss spectroscopy measurement.

physics.plasm-ph↗

arXiv2015

Topological Acoustics

The manipulation of acoustic wave propagation in fluids has numerous applications, including some in everyday life. Acoustic technologies frequently develop in tandem with optics, using shared concepts such as waveguiding and metamedia. It is thus noteworthy that an entirely novel class of electromagnetic waves, known as topological edge states, has recently been demonstrated. These are inspired by the electronic edge states occurring in topological insulators, and possess a striking and technologically promising property: the ability to travel in a single direction along a surface without backscattering, regardless of the existence of defects or disorder. Here, we develop an analogous theory of topological fluid acoustics, and propose a scheme for realizing topological edge states in an acoustic structure containing circulating fluids. The phenomenon of disorder-free one-way sound propagation, which does not occur in ordinary acoustic devices, may have novel applications for acoustic isolators, modulators, and transducers.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗