Transformation of topological states in three-dimensional photonic crystal under magnetic field modulation

The realization and modulation of high-order topological states in three-dimensional (3D) photonic crystals (PCs) hold great significance for practical applications in optical communication, optical information processing, and optical computing. However, they have encountered technological challenges due to the difficulty in achieving a complete bandgap in 3D PCs. To address this issue, we introduce a design for a 3D PC based on the Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) model that exhibits distinctive topological surface states, topological hinge states, and topological corner states. Furthermore, these three types of topological states can be interconverted through the modulation of magnetic field because the topological states are closed and extremely sensitive to the structure, which are modulated by the magnetic field. This intriguing capability holds potential applications in the manipulation of optical flow, optical signal storage, and magnetic field sensors.