Scientists have developed a new optical device capable of producing two different types of vortex-shaped light patterns: electric and magnetic. These unusual light structures, called skyrmions, are known for their exceptional stability and resistance to interference. Because they hold their shape so reliably, they are strong candidates for carrying information in future wireless communication systems.
“Our device not only generates more than one vortex pattern in free-space-propagating terahertz pulses but can also be used to switch, on demand, between two modes using the same integrated platform,” said corresponding author Xueqian Zhang from Tianjin University. “Such controllability is essential for real applications, where reliable selection and reproduction of a desired stated are crucial for practical information encoding.”
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