Electrically Pumped Topological Laser for Single-Mode Vortex Beams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing topological lasers require external magnetic fields or structured optical pumping to generate vortex beams, limiting their applicability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A topological laser design based on photonic Majorana zero mode, which is electrically pumped and generates a cylindrical vector beam through a photonic structure with a honeycomb lattice and Kekulé modulation, allowing single mode operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If external magnetic fields or structured optical pumping are used to generate vortex beams, then the topological laser can achieve nontrivial emission patterns, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the requirement for external magnetic fields and structured optical pumping by designing a photonic structure with intrinsic topological properties. The photonic Majorana zero modes are generated through the honeycomb lattice with Kekulé modulation alone, removing the need for additional external systems and simplifying the overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The photonic structure is designed to self-generate the required vortex beams through its inherent topological properties. The Kekulé-modulated honeycomb lattice automatically produces photonic Majorana zero modes with nontrivial emission patterns when electrically pumped, without requiring external magnetic fields or complex optical pumping arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If external magnetic fields or structured optical pumping are used to generate vortex beams, then the topological laser can achieve nontrivial emission patterns, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the energy-intensive external magnetic field systems and structured optical pumping requirements by designing a structure that generates vortex beams through electrical pumping alone. The photonic Majorana zero modes are excited directly through electrical injection into the quantum cascade laser structure, significantly reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses electrical pumping to directly excite the photonic Majorana zero modes in the Kekulé-modulated honeycomb lattice. This self-contained approach eliminates the need for separate magnetic field generation systems or complex optical pumping arrangements, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining the ability to generate nontrivial emission patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If photonic Majorana zero mode is used to generate cylindrical vector beam, then the laser achieves single mode operation, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces local quality variations through Kekulé modulation of the honeycomb lattice, where different regions of the lattice have different air hole radii according to a specific modulation pattern. This local variation in structure creates the topological photonic bands and protects the single-mode operation, making the system more robust to fabrication imperfections elsewhere in the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of trying to achieve single-mode operation through perfect symmetry and uniformity, the patent inverts the approach by introducing controlled asymmetry through Kekulé modulation. This modulation breaks the perfect hexagonal symmetry in a controlled manner, creating topological protection that actually enhances single-mode operation and makes it more tolerant to fabrication variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The laser produces a doughnut-shaped beam with a polarization singularity, demonstrating robust single-mode operation and efficient energy conversion, suitable for terahertz applications.

Implementation Method 1

The laser beam may be based on photonic Majorana zero mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotonic Majorana zero mode:

Implementation Method 2

configured to generate a laser beam upon electrical pumping of the photonic structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical pumping:

Data Source

PatentUS20250316959A1Topological Laser and Method of Forming the Same

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 NANYANG TECH UNIV

AI summary

Various embodiments may provide a topological laser. The topological laser may include a photonic structure configured to generate a laser beam upon electrical pumping of the photonic structure. The laser beam may be based on photonic Majorana zero mode. The laser beam may be a cylindrical vector beam. The topological laser may be configured to provide single mode operation.