Topological Electrons and Photons
There has been significant recent interest in the study of topological physics due to the wide range of novel scientific phenomena and possible devices the field enables. Many of these concepts and devices could provide important novel functionalities for the Soldier. Moreover, the recent revolution in machine learning offers opportunities to also revolutionize topological and band structure research. The Fu and Soljačić research groups are leaders in topological photonics, topological electronics, and machine learning, and have a long history of very successful collaborations. In this project, researchers will investigate two important interrelated topology topics: topological optoelectronics, and machine learning for topology and band structure.
Example of novel topological transitions of a rhombohedral distorted SnTe rock-salt crystal structure & the different topological phases driven by the ferroelectric distortion.
Schematic of a nonlinear Hall THz photodetector using ferroelectric topological materials that breaks the “THz Gap” and enables sensitive detection over a wide range of frequencies.