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arXiv · 1709.00021

Photons and polaritons in a time-reversal-broken non-planar resonator

Jia Ningyuan·Nathan Schine·Alexandros Georgakopoulos·Albert Ryou·Ariel Sommer·Jonathan Simon
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Abstract

From generation of backscatter-free transmission lines, to optical isolators, to chiral Hamiltonian dynamics, breaking time-reversal symmetry is a key tool for development of next-generation photonic devices and materials. Of particular importance is the development of time-reversal-broken devices in the low-loss regime, where they can be harnessed for quantum materials and information processors. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate the isolation of a single, time-reversal broken running-wave mode of a moderate-finesse optical resonator. Non-planarity of the optical path produces a round-trip geometrical (Pancharatnam) polarization rotation, breaking the inversion symmetry of the photonic modes. The residual time-reversal symmetry between forward-$σ^+$/ backwards-$σ^-$ modes is broken through an atomic Faraday rotation induced by an optically pumped ensemble of $^{87}$Rb atoms residing in the resonator. We observe a splitting of 6.3 linewidths between time-reversal partners and a corresponding optical isolation of $\sim$ 20.1(4) dB, with 83(1)% relative forward cavity transmission. Finally, we explore the impact of twisted resonators on T-breaking of intra-cavity Rydberg polaritons, a crucial ingredient of photonic materials and specifically topological optical matter. As a highly coherent approach to time-reversal breaking, this work will find immediate application in creation of photonic materials and also in switchable narrow-band optical isolators.

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Jia Ningyuan, Nathan Schine, Alexandros Georgakopoulos, Albert Ryou, Ariel Sommer, Jonathan Simon. 2017-12-01. Photons and polaritons in a time-reversal-broken non-planar resonator. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreva.97.013802

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