Analytical study of quasi-one-dimensional flat band networks and slow light analogue

Abstract

Exact method of analytical solution of flat, non-dispersive eigenstates in a class of quasi-one-dimensional structures is reported within the tight-binding framework. The states are localized over certain sublattice sites. One such finite size cluster of atomic sites is decoupled from the rest of the system by the special "non-permissible" vertex having zero amplitude. This immediately leads to the self-trapping of the incoming excitation. We work out an analytical scheme to discern the localizing character of the diffraction free dispersionless modes using real space renormalization group technique. Supportive numerical calculations of spectral profile and transport are demonstrated to substantiate the essence of compact localized states. Possible experimental scope regarding the photonic analogue of the tight-binding electronic case is also discussed elaborately. This eventually unfolds the concepts of slow light and the related re-entrant mode switching from the study of optical dispersion.