Universal momentum-to-real-space mapping of topological singularities

Topological properties of materials are typically presented in momentum space. Here, we demonstrate a universal mapping of topological singularities from momentum to real space. By exciting Dirac-like cones in photonic honeycomb (pseudospin-1/2) and Lieb (pseudospin-1) lattices with vortex beams of...

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Published inNature communications Vol. 11; no. 1; p. 1586
Main Authors Liu, Xiuying, Xia, Shiqi, Jajtić, Ema, Song, Daohong, Li, Denghui, Tang, Liqin, Leykam, Daniel, Xu, Jingjun, Buljan, Hrvoje, Chen, Zhigang
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published London Nature Publishing Group UK 27.03.2020
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Summary:Topological properties of materials are typically presented in momentum space. Here, we demonstrate a universal mapping of topological singularities from momentum to real space. By exciting Dirac-like cones in photonic honeycomb (pseudospin-1/2) and Lieb (pseudospin-1) lattices with vortex beams of topological charge  l , optimally aligned with a given pseudospin state s , we directly observe topological charge conversion that follows the rule l  →  l + 2 s . Although the mapping is observed in photonic lattices where pseudospin-orbit interaction takes place, we generalize the theory to show it is the nontrivial Berry phase winding that accounts for the conversion which persists even in systems where angular momentum is not conserved, unveiling its topological origin. Our results have direct impact on other branches of physics and material sciences beyond the 2D photonic platform: equivalent mapping occurs for 3D topological singularities such as Dirac-Weyl synthetic monopoles, achievable in mechanical, acoustic, or ultracold atomic systems, and even with electron beams. Topological properties of materials are typically presented in momentum space. Here, the authors show a universal mapping of topological singularities from momentum to real space, potentially applicable to a wide range of systems.
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ISSN:2041-1723
2041-1723
DOI:10.1038/s41467-020-15374-x