The interdisciplinary team, including PhD candidate Anton Montag from the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light (MPL) in Erlangen, and Dr. Tomoki Ozawa from the Advanced Institute for Materials Research at Tohoku University in Sendai, explored the impact of quantum-geometric effects within non-Hermitian systems. Unlike conventional Hermitian systems that describe closed, idealized physical environments, non-Hermitian systems embrace the real-world complexity of energy exchange and dissipation—attributes intrinsic to many photonic and open quantum systems. This extension not only enriches the theoretical landscape but also offers new levers for controlling light-matter interactions in practical applications.

At the heart of quantum geometry lies the quantum geometric tensor, an entity that captures the infinitesimal distance between quantum states as external parameters evolve. Traditionally, this tensor has facilitated insights into phenomena such as superconductivity, where electron pairing and resistance-free current flow are intricately linked to the shape of quantum state space. It also undergirds quantum metrology by establishing fundamental bounds on measurement precision. Montag and Ozawa’s work extends this paradigm by examining how the geometry of quantum states morphs in non-Hermitian regimes—a realm characterized by gain and loss mechanisms ubiquitous in photonic platforms.

Non-Hermitian physics has become a hotbed for discovery in recent years, largely because it reveals exotic behaviors absent in Hermitian settings. Phenomena such as the non-Hermitian skin effect, where waves accumulate at the boundaries of an open system, or unidirectional invisibility, which enables one-way transparency, have all been experimentally confirmed in photonics. These unique effects are consequences of the system’s exchange with its environment, requiring a deepened understanding that Montag and Ozawa approach through their quantum-geometric framework. Their results potentially redefine how artificial potentials for light can be engineered, elucidating the rich landscape of non-Hermitian topological phenomena.

One of the most remarkable outcomes of their research is the conceptualization of programmable artificial potentials manifested through light’s interaction with anisotropic media. Here, polarized light passing through such materials experiences intensity shifts that depend on its polarization state, causing the light’s trajectory to curve rather than maintain a straight path. Quantum geometry governs this deflection. The introduction of non-Hermitian parameters further permits the fine-tuning of intensity gain and loss along this path, thereby implementing tunable artificial potentials for photons—a capability with vast implications for optical device engineering.

Crucially, the team developed an innovative experimental methodology to directly measure the quantum metric—a key component of the quantum geometric tensor—within photonic systems. By applying weak periodic excitations to these systems and analyzing the intensity of the emitted light, the researchers demonstrated that the escaping light’s intensity directly reflects the underlying quantum metric. This technique represents a significant leap forward, enabling experimentalists to ‘read out’ quantum-geometric properties that previously required abstract theoretical calculations, thus bridging theory and practice in topological photonics.

The collaborative synergy between the Max Planck Institute and the Tohoku University group was instrumental in achieving these advances. While Dr. Ozawa’s expertise grounded the research in cutting-edge topological photonics, the Erlangen team’s focus on non-Hermitian topological phenomena infused the study with new perspective and rigor. Montag himself expressed enthusiasm about uncovering behaviors that starkly diverge from traditional Hermitian quantum mechanics, indicating uncharted territories in quantum state space that could redefine fundamental physical understanding.

The experimental verification of these quantum-geometric effects in non-Hermitian systems heralds a new era for topological photonics. Historically, this field has witnessed remarkable progress in implementing theoretical predictions, enabling device architectures with robust and exotic optical properties. With the ability to manipulate artificial potentials dynamically through quantum geometry, photonic systems can now be designed with unprecedented precision and flexibility. These findings open pathways not only for novel photonic components but also for advancing quantum information technologies where control over light-matter interaction is paramount.

Interestingly, the implications transcend photonics alone. The principles outlined by Montag and Ozawa might be adapted to ultracold atomic gases, where artificial gauge fields and exotic phases of matter are engineered to simulate complex physical phenomena. Typically, atom losses in such gases have been regarded as detrimental, but viewed through the lens of non-Hermitian quantum geometry, these losses can be harnessed deliberately to introduce novel interactions or topological effects, profoundly expanding the experimental toolkit available to quantum physicists.

In sum, this pioneering work bridges fundamental theoretical physics and tangible experimental techniques, showcasing the profound utility of quantum geometry within non-Hermitian settings. By enriching the understanding of how quantum states evolve amid environmental exchange, researchers can now tailor photonic systems at a granular level, achieving bespoke optical behaviors critical for next-generation technologies. Moreover, the direct measurement protocol for the quantum metric sets a new experimental standard, promising a cascade of follow-up studies across quantum science disciplines.

As quantum engineering marches towards greater complexity, the incorporation of quantum-geometric insights into non-Hermitian systems will undoubtedly catalyze innovations in material design, sensing precision, and quantum control. Montag and Ozawa’s findings underscore the untapped richness lying at the intersection of geometry, topology, and open quantum systems—a fertile ground poised to reshape the future of photonics and beyond.

The publication of this research in Physical Review Research marks a milestone in quantum optics and condensed matter physics, highlighting a new frontier where mathematical elegance meets experimental reality. The potent experimental access to quantum geometry in active, dissipative systems enhances the fidelity of quantum state manipulation, with implications reverberating through fundamental science and applied technology alike.

As the landscape of quantum photonics evolves, the ability to engineer non-Hermitian, geometry-driven interactions will empower researchers and engineers to probe and exploit phenomena once considered purely theoretical. The fusion of quantum geometry with non-Hermitian physics paves the way for a suite of novel devices, from highly sensitive quantum sensors to unconventional communication channels, ensuring that light continues to guide innovations in the most unexpected ways.

Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: Quantum geometrical effects in non-Hermitian systems
News Publication Date: 19-Feb-2026
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1103/qb8s-9c6y
Image Credits: MPL, Susanne Viezens
Keywords: Quantum geometry, non-Hermitian systems, topological photonics, quantum metric, artificial potentials, photonic systems, non-Hermitian skin effect, quantum metrology, ultracold atomic gases, light-matter interaction, dissipative quantum systems, experimental quantum optics

Metasurfaces, consisting of ultra-thin layers decorated with subwavelength meta-atoms, have long held promise for manipulating light at a fundamental level, enabling precise control over amplitude, phase, and polarization of optical waves. Their unique capacity to facilitate non-Hermitian physics, particularly the realization of topological EPs — points in parameter space where eigenvalues and eigenvectors coalesce — has been mostly demonstrated using metallic structures. However, metals inherently introduce undesirable energy dissipation via Ohmic losses, severely constraining device efficiency and hindering integration with purely dielectric photonic platforms.

Recognizing these constraints, the team spearheaded by Professor Zhongyang Li and Professor Qinghua Song has proposed and experimentally realized an all-dielectric on-chip metasurface capable of exciting topological EPs without resorting to metal components. Their approach ingeniously manipulates the geometry and spatial arrangement of dielectric meta-atoms atop dielectric waveguides to precisely extract and shape guided optical waves. This methodology not only eradicates absorption losses but also eliminates zero-order diffraction backgrounds, which often plague holographic projection systems and degrade image quality.

Central to their design is the selective generation and manipulation of left-handed circularly polarized (LCP) and right-handed circularly polarized (RCP) components. The research highlights an emergent topological singularity exclusively within the LCP channel, where amplitude and phase singularities coincide spatially, marking the presence of a topological exceptional point. Notably, such singular behavior is absent in the RCP component, a feature deftly exploited by the team to enable independent encoding and precise polarization decoupling through the synthesis of Pancharatnam-Berry phase modulation and topological phase accumulation around the EPs.

The practical realization of these principles culminated in a sophisticated on-chip meta-holography system that projects distinct holographic images—depicting a “Key” and a “Lock”—corresponding to LCP and RCP components, respectively. This dual-channel holographic encoding highlights the metasurface’s unparalleled capability for multiplexed optical information processing, a critical requirement for advanced photonic applications including data storage, secure communications, and dynamic displays.

Beyond mere demonstrations of optical manipulation, the platform’s robustness extends into augmented reality applications. Through an elaborate experimental configuration, AR images float vividly and distinctly above the real-world background without any parasitic visual artifacts. The suppression of undesired diffraction orders ensures unprecedented image clarity and fidelity, a key hurdle in translating holographic AR technology from laboratory concept to commercial wearable devices.

This research exemplifies the successful convergence of topological photonics with integrated on-chip dielectric platforms. It thereby expands the degrees of freedom available for optical system design, offering not only enhanced control over light-matter interaction but also compatibility with existing silicon photonics infrastructure. The all-dielectric configuration enables miniaturization and scalability, essential attributes for the commercialization of photonic chips in consumer electronics, optical computing, and quantum information processing.

Of particular note is the team’s ability to harness non-Hermiticity—an often challenging regime characterized by energy exchange with the environment—within a purely dielectric system. This contrasts sharply with prevailing approaches that rely on inherent losses from metallic elements. Their breakthrough paves the way for low-loss, tunable, and topologically robust photonic devices capable of sustaining exceptional point dynamics vital for sensing, lasing, and optical switching functionalities.

The metasurface’s waveguide integration marks a significant stride toward functional photonic circuits, as it allows seamless interplay between guided modes and free-space optical fields. By engineering the meta-atom shape and layout, the researchers achieve phase and amplitude control with extreme precision, leading to unparalleled manipulation of spatial and polarization degrees of freedom. Such versatility is indispensable for next-generation holographic displays, data multiplexing, and complex wavefront shaping.

Looking forward, the implications of this work are vast. The demonstrated all-dielectric topological metasurface could spearhead the development of compact, energy-efficient wearable AR devices offering superior image quality and interaction fidelity. Moreover, the platform’s ability to encode multiple optical channels independently holds promise for multiplexed information storage systems, setting new standards for data density and retrieval speed in photonic memory architectures.

In conclusion, this pioneering research melds the intricate physics of topological exceptional points with cutting-edge metasurface engineering to unlock new potentials in integrated photonics. By surmounting the loss-related limitations of metal-based systems through all-dielectric design, the team sets a formidable precedent for the creation of high-performance, scalable, and multifunctional optical devices that can redefine future technologies in AR, quantum photonics, and beyond.

Subject of Research: Topological exceptional points in all-dielectric on-chip metasurfaces and their applications in meta-holography and augmented reality.

Article Title: Creating topological exceptional point by on-chip all-dielectric metasurface

Web References:
10.1038/s41377-025-01955-2

Image Credits: Cheng Yi et al.

Keywords

Topological exceptional points, all-dielectric metasurface, on-chip photonics, non-Hermitian optics, guided-wave extraction, polarization decoupling, meta-holography, augmented reality, Pancharatnam-Berry phase, integrated photonic circuits, optical encoding, low-loss photonics