Topological plasmonic edge states in a planar array of metallic nanoparticles

Abstract

Photonic topological insulators (PTIs) are electromagnetic structures with highly robust unidirectional edge states, originating from their nontrivial bulk band topology. Here, we propose a plasmonic PTI that supports highly confined one-way edge states capable of transporting deep subwavelength optical frequency plasmons through arbitrary paths without back-scattering. The structure consists of a simple planar array of coupled plasmonic nanoparticles arranged in a perturbed honeycomb lattice that exhibits nontrivial band topology. The operation frequency of the emergent edge states is shown to be independent of the lattice constant, allowing for the miniaturization of the structure. As a high-frequency PTI with a simple and planar design, this structure is compatible with well-established integrated nanofabrication technologies and may find application in planar, compact, and topologically robust integrated nanophotonic devices.