Scalable single-mode and high-power lasing governed by topological propagation dynamics
Phys. Rev. A 114, 043517 – Published 13 October, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/lq29-hd7k
Abstract
Non-Hermitian and topological effects offer unprecedented pathways for phase locking in large-scale laser arrays, enabling single-mode, high-performance operation. However, existing studies remain restricted to steady-state characteristics, with transient dynamics being largely overlooked. Here we unveil topological propagation dynamics—a fundamental mechanism whereby topology governs the full energy evolution in non-Hermitian systems—and use it to realize a highly scalable laser architecture with robust single-mode lasing and efficient high-power emission. The laser utilizes resonant site rings for seeding and energy storage, while antiresonant link rings with asymmetry gain-loss distribution enable unidirectional optical surge and enhanced energy amplification. Time-domain simulations based on a customized split-step transfer matrix method, accounting for gain saturation in both site and link rings, verify that topological propagation dynamics enforces remarkably efficient, robust single-mode operation and allows output power to scale with system size. This work unveils the transient lasing dynamics that arise from the non-Hermitian winding topology and establishes a scalable paradigm for high-performance large-scale lasers.
