Topological photonics

As a branch of mathematics, topology studies the properties of objects that remain unchanged under continuous deformations. Despite its abstract nature, topology has direct applications in physics. It helps explain the precise quantization of Hall resistance in the quantum Hall effect, which persists even in the presence of defects and impurities, the phenomenon of anomalous velocity, and a range of other physical effects. The importance of the discovery of topological phases of matter and topological phase transitions was recognized with the 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Topological photonics explores ways to realize states of light that are protected against scattering caused by defects and structural imperfections. Such states hold promise for developing disorder-resistant devices for all-optical information processing.

At ITMO University, our research group studies topological states of both classical and quantum light, developing fundamental and applied concepts — from protected edge and corner states in linear and nonlinear photonic systems to methods for their coherent control.