Measurement-induced photonic topological insulators.

ABSTRACT: Topological order in photonics, defined by pseudo-spin degrees of freedom, is traditionally static. By contrast, a unique quantum effect is that measurements alter system states. The convergence of these foundational concepts-measurement and topology-remains unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that topological order can be dynamically modified by repeated measurements. By fabricating a photonic lattice composed of an array of contiguous waveguides and incorporating 16,800 appended waveguide segments as discrete, nonindependent units, we established a classical-wave platform simulating the backaction from measurements and observed measurement-induced topological order in photonic lattices. Beyond topology, we further demonstrate that measurements can universally control the lattice by tailorin

SUBMITTER: Liu Q 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12273792 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature