New framework advances PIC design
Researchers develop a theoretical framework that enables directional light scattering in disordered materials, opening new possibilities for photonic integrated circuits, optical communications and LiDAR.
Researchers at Seoul National University, in collaboration with the University of Seoul, have developed a new theoretical framework that enables precise control of light scattering in disordered optical materials, extending photonic design beyond conventional crystal structures.
The framework, known as Non-Hermitian Statistical Crystallography, incorporates not only refractive properties but also optical gain and loss, allowing researchers to suppress light scattering in some directions while enhancing it in others.
Unlike traditional approaches based on periodic crystal structures, the new theory applies to hyperuniform disordered materials structures that appear random at small scales but maintain uniformity over larger distances.
The researchers say this provides a new route to designing scattering behaviour in open optical systems where energy can be absorbed or amplified.
The team identified the conditions required to maintain scattering suppression while tailoring directional scattering through the spatial relationship between refractive index and optical gain or loss.
The approach also enables scattering patterns with rotational symmetries that are difficult to achieve in conventional energy-conserving materials.
According to the researchers, the framework could support the development of next-generation photonic devices for optical communications, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), LiDAR, optical sensing, displays and medical imaging.
Potential applications include reducing unwanted reflections in optical communication components, improving directional optical sensors and creating photonic devices that are more tolerant of manufacturing variations.
"This study connects two research areas non-Hermitian wave physics and hyperuniform materials and presents a new framework for designing the directionality and symmetry of scattering even in disordered open materials without periodicity," said Professors Sunkyu Yu, Namkyoo Park and Xianji Piao.
The researchers plan to validate the theory using physical material platforms and extend the work to investigate strong multiple scattering and non-Hermitian band phenomena.
