Enhanced Sensitivity in PT-Symmetric Coupled Resonators

摘要

In recent years, the concept of parity-time (PT) symmetry has received considerable attention in the field of optics and photonics. In PT-symmetric arrangements, the interaction between gain/loss-contrast and coupling leads to the formation of exceptional points in parameter space. At these junctures, not only the eigenvalues but also the eigenvectors tend to merge, resulting in a sudden reduction of the dimensionality of the eigen-space. Consequently, in the vicinity of such points, the eigenfrequencies are strongly affected by external perturbations-as the system regains its original dimensionality. This unique behavior can be utilized to fundamentally enhance the sensitivity of micro-resonators. Here, we experimentally investigate this effect in integrated semiconductor PT-symmetric microring lasers that are biased at exceptional points. Using this arrangement, we demonstrate >10-fold enhancement in sensitivity. Our results also show that unlike standard microcavities, the parity-time symmetric system responds to the square-root of the perturbation. Our work provides a new avenue for enhancing the sensitivity of optical integrated sensors.