LMI Seminar: Optical Metamaterials Based on Broken Symmetries

Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87315167585

Abstract:

In this talk, I discuss our recent research activity in nano-optics, polaritonics and electromagnetics, showing how suitably tailored meta-atoms and arrangements of them open exciting venues to realize new optical phenomena and devices for light. I discuss venues to induce tunable diffraction-free wave propagation and topological phenomena based on lattice symmetries, to largely break Lorentz reciprocity and realize isolation without the need of magnetic bias based on broken time-reversal symmetry, and to induce enhanced light-matter interactions at exceptional points induced by parity-time symmetry. I also discuss how broken symmetries in space and space-time open the opportunity to induce topological order in metamaterials. In the talk, I will also discuss the impact of these concepts from basic science to practical technology.