title: Supersymmetric mode converters.
abstract: Originally developed in the context of quantum field theory, the concept of supersymmetry can be used to systematically design a new class of optical structures. In this work, we demonstrate how key features arising from optical supersymmetry can be exploited to control the flow of light for mode-division multiplexing applications. Superpartner configurations are experimentally realized in coupled optical networks, and the corresponding light dynamics in such systems are directly observed. We show that supersymmetry can be judiciously used to remove the fundamental mode of a multimode optical structure while establishing global phase-matching conditions for the remaining set of modes. Along these lines, supersymmetry may serve as a promising platform for versatile optical components with desirable properties and functionalities.
authors.affiliation: 1] CREOL, The College of Optics & Photonics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816, USA [2] Institute of Applied Physics, Abbe School of Photonics, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Max-Wien-Platz 1, D-07743 Jena, Germany [3].
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heinrich
authors.affiliation: 1] CREOL, The College of Optics & Photonics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816, USA [2].
authors.forename: Mohammad-Ali
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Miri
authors.affiliation: 1] Institute of Applied Physics, Abbe School of Photonics, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Max-Wien-Platz 1, D-07743 Jena, Germany [2].
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stützer
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan 49931, USA.
authors.forename: Ramy
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: El-Ganainy
authors.affiliation: Institute of Applied Physics, Abbe School of Photonics, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Max-Wien-Platz 1, D-07743 Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nolte
authors.affiliation: Institute of Applied Physics, Abbe School of Photonics, Friedrich-Schiller-University, Max-Wien-Platz 1, D-07743 Jena, Germany.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Szameit
authors.affiliation: CREOL, The College of Optics & Photonics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816, USA.
authors.forename: Demetrios N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Christodoulides
mesh_terms: D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D008027:Light; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D055095:Optics and Photonics / Q000379:methods*; D010825:Physics / Q000379:methods*; D011789:Quantum Theory