Zhao, Yuji2024-05-202024-05-202024-052024-04-19May 2024Li, Tao. Topological Photonic Devices in the UV-visible Spectrum Based on the III-N Wide Bandgap Semiconductor Platform. (2024). Masters thesis, Rice University. https://hdl.handle.net/1911/115926https://hdl.handle.net/1911/115926Topological photonics, renowned for the edge/interface states resistant to local defects and back-scattering, can be a promising solution for ensuring the stability in integrated photonic platforms and has already found applications in lasers and quantum photonic circuits. However, existing topological photonic demonstrations have primarily operated in the microwave or near-infrared spectrum due to material and nanofabrication limitations. In this thesis, we break through this wavelength barrier and extend the limit into UV-visible spectrum by implementing topological photonics on the III-N wide bandgap semiconductor platform. In the first part of the thesis, we devise a 1D topological photonic cavity fabricated from a gallium nitride on silicon (GaN-on-Si) wafer. The designed cavity has a single resonance mode around the wavelength of 800 nm and shows a simulated quality factor (Q) around 1600. Based on the non-zero second-order susceptibility of the GaN, we further demonstrate the second harmonic generation (SHG) from the 1D topological photonic cavity and reveal the power dependence and polarization dependence of the cavity-based SHG. The second part of the thesis focuses on the design of topological photonic routing devices in the visible spectrum based on 2D photonic crystals (PC) made of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). Interfacing 2D h-BN PCs with distinct topological phases gives rise to topological edge states supporting polarization-resolved unidirectional propagation. Through meticulous design of the interfaces’ shape, we demonstrate ultra-compact topological photonic routers. These routers feature 6 input/output ports within a 10 µm × 10 µm footprint and showcase a simulated crosstalk extinction ratio exceeding 15 dB. The results from this thesis underpin the UV-visible topological photonics based on the III-N wide bandgap semiconductor platform and can potentially benefit the design of high-performance integrated photonic devices in the UV-visible spectrum by leveraging the unique properties of photonic topology.application/pdfengCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.Topological PhotonicsIII-N Wide Bandgap SemiconductorsUV-visible SpectrumThesis2024-05-20