Opto-Induced Topological Waveguide Transport in Metaplates

The introduction of wise materials into topological metamaterial design has become a hot topic. In this paper, by using liquid crystal elastomer film as the scatterer, an opto-topological metaplate is proposed. By changing the illumination pattern, spatial inversion symmetry is broken and opto-modulation of topological interface state is achieved. First, opto-deformation of the liquid crystal elastomer scatterer is investigated. Then the degeneracy and topological phase transition are discussed. The formation of the topological interface state and its robustness against geometric perturbations are demonstrated. At last, the parameter analysis is carried out to clarify the influence of scatterer radius and light intensity on the performance of metaplates. The results indicate that illumination can be utilized as a flexible switch to turn on/off topological waveguide transmission. The frequency region of the interface state relies on the scatterer radius and illumination intensity. The research about the opto-topological modulation of metaplate provides a new strategy in the design and fabrication of metamaterials.