Home▸Physics & Mechanics▸Topological Photonics — One-Way Edge Channel Lab

Topological Photonics — One-Way Edge Channel Lab

Interactive photonic crystal lattice: a light pulse travels one-way along the boundary edge channel of a lattice of coupled ring resonators. Toggle topological vs trivial lattice configuration and place defects to see topological protection against backscattering in action.

Physics & Mechanics3DAdvanced60 FPS

Details

CategoryPhysics & Mechanics

RenderingThree.js · WebGL

DifficultyAdvanced

Target FPS60

ControlsTopological / Trivial buttons switch the lattice's protection regime; speed slider (0.2-3) sets the pulse's travel speed along the edge channel; click any boundary ring to place or remove a defect scatterer; Random defects scatters 3-5 defects, Clear defects removes them all.

Three.jstopological photonicsphotonic crystaledge statering resonator latticebackscattering

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A lattice of coupled ring resonators forms a synthetic photonic crystal with a protected edge channel running around its boundary. Watch a light pulse travel that channel in a single direction, sail straight through defect rings when the lattice is topological, and instead backscatter and lose energy at those same defects once the lattice is switched to a trivial configuration.

⚙ Under the hood

A lattice of coupled ring resonators forms a synthetic photonic crystal with a protected edge channel around its boundary. Watch a light pulse travel that channel one way, click to place defect scatterers anywhere along it, and toggle between a topological lattice (pulse passes defects untouched) and a trivial one (pulse backscatters and loses energy at the very same defects).

Three.jstopological photonicsphotonic crystaledge statering resonator latticebackscattering

3D · Three.js / WebGL renderer · 60 FPS target · runs fully client-side, no install