Topological photonics

Topological photonics is an exciting and rapidly evolving field that combines principles of topology and photonics to explore new ways of controlling light. By leveraging topological concepts, researchers aim to develop novel photonic devices with robust and unique properties. 

Key Concepts:

• Topology: In mathematics, topology studies properties that remain unchanged under continuous deformations. 
• Topological Insulators: In photonics, analogous structures allow for protected light propagation, immune to certain types of disorder.
• Photonic Bands and Gaps: Similar to electronic band structures in solids, photonic band structures determine how light propagates through a material. Topological band theory classifies these structures based on their topological invariants.