Topological modes for light propagation inside a 2D photonic square lattice crystal with p4 symmetry
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31349/RevMexFis.72.061302Keywords:
Higher-order topological modes; photonic crystal, topological edge and corner states, light localizationAbstract
We investigate a two-dimensional all-dielectric silicon photonic crystal with a square lattice based on p4 space group wallpaper symmetry, demonstrating dual-functional electromagnetic response. By employing group-theoretical symmetry indicators, we characterize the topological phase hierarchy of the lower ten transverse magnetic (TM) bands for two complementary unit cell configurations (UC1 and UC2). The topological non-triviality of UC2 enables the emergence of robust edge and corner modes within the telecommunication window (∼ 1.84 THz / 1.6 µm) at the interface with the trivial UC1 phase. Additionally, an accidental p–p–d band degeneracy forming a Dirac-like cone at the Γ point yields a near-zero refractive index (NZRI) regime in the mid-infrared region (∼ 1.03 THz / 2.9 µm). We discuss the interplay between time-reversal symmetry-protected degeneracies and the absence of monopolar (s-like) symmetry, which results in directional impedance variations and non-ideal wave-front flattening. These findings highlight the potential of simple square-lattice geometries for integrated topological routing, directional optical sensing, and light manipulation.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Marco Antonio Tun Carrillo, José Antonio Medina Vázquez, Miguel Eduardo Mora-Ramos, Hernán Alajandro Gómez Urrea, Ignacio Pérez Quintana
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