Abstract:

Photonic crystals, materials with a periodic modulation of refractive index, offer unprecedented control over the flow of light, enabling a wide range of applications. In this talk, I will focus on using photonic crystals as a versatile platform for exploring new frontiers in topological physics. By examining the interplay between light and the unique band structures of photonic crystals, we will uncover how these systems serve as an ideal platform for investigating topological phenomena. The talk will highlight concepts such as topological invariants, band gaps, and the emergence of protected states at the edges of these materials. Through illustrative examples, we will demonstrate the potential of photonic crystals to not only deepen our understanding of topological physics but also to inspire innovations in near-generation optical devices.

Bio：

Prof. Che Ting Chan received his BSc degree from the University of Hong Kong in 1980 and his PhD degree from the University of California at Berkeley in 1985. Prof Chan is currently the Daniel CK Yu Professor of Science and a Chair Professor of Physics at HKUST. He has been elected a Fellow of the American Physical Society since 1996. He received the Achievement in Asia Award of the Overseas Chinese Physics Association (2000) and Croucher Senior Research Fellowship (2010). He received the Michael Gale Medal for Distinguished Teaching at HKUST (1999) and is a co-recipient of Brillouin Medal for his research in phononic metamaterials (2013). His primary research interest is the theory and simulation of material properties. He is now working on the theory a variety of advanced materials, including photonic crystals, metamaterials and nano-materials.